CFIB celebrating impact of small businesses in Sask.

Small businesses can be the backbone of a community, so the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is asking you to celebrate some of your favourites on Saturday.

For the sixth year, CFIB is holding its Small Business Saturday to honour the contributions of the people who took the plunge when they decided to start their own business.

“We know that starting a small business is a really big decision. It takes a leap of faith without knowing what lies ahead,” CFIB vice-president of prairie and agri-business Marilyn Braun-Pollon said.

Braun-Pollon said the small businesses people celebrate can include many things from coffee shops and bakeries to hardware and shoe stores.

“We’re hoping that they can recognize the work that entrepreneurs do and that’s why we’re encouraging consumers to shop at their local independent businesses,”  Braun-Pollon said.

She said small business is actually big business in Saskatchewan, with the province being home to the second highest rate of small businesses — about 130 for every 1,000 people.

“We just have the entrepreneurial spirit and we certainly have, compared to many provinces, a good business climate, a business-friendly climate and the fact that we have spread out across the province in all the major urban centres but also in rural Saskatchewan.”

In Saskatchewan, about 107,000 small businesses employ 150,000 people, with many having fewer than 20 employees in total.

She said they were pleased to see many places take up the challenge, including Regina, Swift Current, Warman and Martensville.

“This support recognizes that important role that small businesses play in their communities.”

CFIB is also encouraging people to share their stories and experiences on social media using #SmallBizSaturday.