Supporting Canadian Businesses: A Resource for Small Business Owners

Feb 12

Written By Julie Entwistle MBA, BSc (OT), BSc.

“Every time we choose to buy from a Canadian supplier, we contribute to a more resilient and independent economy. We create jobs, sustain local businesses, and build strong networks that can withstand economic uncertainty. We stop relying on the US, or others.”

As a small business owner, I know firsthand how important it is to support local businesses and keep our economy strong. With the impending imposition of U.S. tariffs, many Canadian businesses are facing new challenges when it comes to sourcing products and services. As I watched these changes unfold, I realized that it was time to act and create a resource to help Canadian business owners find and support Canadian-made products and services.

This guide is designed to highlight Canadian-owned businesses across key industries that small business owners rely on every day. Whether you're looking for office supplies, IT solutions, shipping services, or even coffee for your office kitchen, there are Canadian options available. By choosing to support these companies, we can keep our money within Canada, strengthen our economy, and ensure that our businesses remain competitive despite external pressures.

Business Essentials: Accounting, Payroll, and HR Services

Wave Accounting – A Canadian-owned cloud-based accounting software designed to help small businesses manage their finances efficiently.
FreshBooks – A Canadian-owned company providing easy-to-use accounting and invoicing software.
Bench Accounting – A Canadian company offering bookkeeping and financial services tailored to small businesses.
Rise People – A Vancouver-based company offering HR, payroll, and benefits management services.
Payworks – A Canadian payroll processing and workforce management company that simplifies HR administration.
Ceridian Canada – Offers HR, payroll, and talent management solutions to help Canadian businesses streamline operations.

Internet Service Providers

Rogers Communications – A Canadian-owned company offering internet, television, and phone services nationwide.
Bell Canada – A major telecommunications provider offering high-speed internet, phone, and digital services across Canada.
Cogeco – A Canadian telecommunications company providing internet, television, and telephony services in Ontario and Quebec.
Xplornet – A Canadian-owned provider specializing in rural high-speed internet solutions.

Computers, Electronics, and IT Solutions

Canada Computers & Electronics – A Canadian-owned retailer specializing in computers, peripherals, and office technology.
Memory Express – A Canadian company offering computer hardware and IT solutions for business needs.
ThinkOn – A Canadian-owned cloud storage and data solutions provider, ensuring secure data management for businesses.

Office Supplies and Stationery

Monk Office – Vancouver Island’s largest office products provider, offering a variety of supplies and furniture.
Hamster, Eastern Office Supplies, Canadian Workplace Solutions Inc. – Canadian-owned office supply distributors ensuring businesses have access to locally sourced office essentials.
Hilroy, Dominion Blueline Inc. – Canadian companies specializing in high-quality notebooks, planners, and paper products for business needs.

Office Furniture and Ergonomics

Source Office Furniture – A Canadian-owned supplier of ergonomic office furniture designed to improve workplace comfort.
ErgoCentric – A Canadian-owned manufacturer of ergonomic chairs and office furniture tailored to productivity and health.
Buro Design – A Canadian company offering high-quality, Canadian-made office furniture solutions.

Printing and Promotional Products

Canada Sticker King – A Canadian-owned company specializing in custom stickers, decals, and branding materials.
The Printing House (TPH) – A Canadian-owned family business serving Canadians for over 60 years, providing custom printing solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Dynamic Gift Canada – A Canadian-owned and operated promotional products supplier offering a wide range of custom items, from pens and mugs to T-shirts and air fresheners.
Brymark Promotions – Providing promotional marketing and design services since 1978, Brymark offers custom promotional products for businesses across Canada.

Insurance Solutions

Manulife Financial – A Canadian multinational insurance company offering a wide range of financial and insurance products, including business insurance and employee benefits.
Northbridge Insurance – A Canadian-owned business insurance provider helping companies mitigate risks.
Intact Insurance – A Canadian-owned company offering small business and commercial insurance coverage tailored to business needs.

Shipping and Logistics

Canada Post – A Crown corporation and the primary postal operator in Canada, providing essential shipping services.
Purolator – A Canadian courier and freight services company majority-owned by Canada Post, ensuring reliable deliveries.
Chit Chats – A Canadian-owned company providing discounted shipping services tailored for small businesses.

Online and Digital Business Solutions

Shopify – A Canadian-owned e-commerce platform allowing businesses to build and manage online stores.
Unbounce – A Canadian company specializing in landing page builders and conversion optimization for digital marketing.
Hootsuite – A Canadian-owned social media scheduling and management platform helping businesses maximize online engagement.

Coffee and Tea for the Office

Nabob, Van Houtte – Canadian-founded coffee brands with deep roots in the industry, offering quality coffee blends.
Muskoka Roastery, Club Coffee, Zavida Coffee Roasters – Canadian-owned roasters providing sustainable and compostable coffee pods for workplace consumption.
DavidsTea, Red Rose Tea – Canadian-owned tea companies providing a variety of loose-leaf and traditional teas to keep the office stocked with quality beverages.

Why This Matters

I created this list because I believe in the power of small businesses supporting each other. Every time we choose to buy from a Canadian supplier, we contribute to a more resilient and independent economy. We create jobs, sustain local businesses, and build strong networks that can withstand economic uncertainty. We stop relying on the US, or others.

As business owners, we can be intentional about our purchasing decisions. Let’s take this moment to invest in Canada, prioritize homegrown businesses, and keep our economy thriving. If you have other Canadian-owned companies that you love and support, let me know! The more we share, the stronger we all become.

Julie Entwistle MBA, BSc (OT), BSc.

Julie Entwistle is an ICF Associate Certified Coach who works with business owners and professional service providers.

Julie helps her clients by building their business YOU - confidence so they can run, grow, and develop legacy practices that are focused and optimally successful. Julie knows that when professional service businesses do better, their clients also benefit. She knows this because she was one! Prior to becoming a coach, Julie was an independent owner of her own healthcare business before successfully merging, growing, and selling the practice. As an owner Julie had her own business coach, and this was a key element in her success.

Academically, Julie has degrees in Health Studies and Gerontology and Health Science (Occupational Therapy) from the University of Waterloo and McMaster, respectively, and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier. She attended Queens University as a part-time Doctorate student prior to discontinuing her studies in 2023. Julie is also a Chartered Director and has Board and governance experience.

Julie grew up in a franchise family, so business is in her DNA. She has raised four daughters who are off writing their own stories as young adults. Julie is active and fit with a black belt in Karate, a competitive golf game, and enjoys many other sports. She believes in authenticity, showing kindness to all living things, and is happiest when helping others to build their own wealth and wellness.

Find Julie on LinkedIn at: linkedin.com/in/julieentwistle

https://www.businessyou.ca