The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is encouraging you to shop small until you drop.

It’s part of their fourth annual Small Business Saturday, celebrating local stores and the contribution that they make to the economy. Several small local businesses will have events and customer appreciation deals through the day.

Marilyn Braun-Pollon with the CFIB says “imagine how boring it would be without your favourite small business in your community, whether it be a bakery, a coffee shop or a pub”. She says that the small businesses are the “backbone of the economy”.

She says the weekend is the perfect opportunity for customers to show their appreciation for the hard work that small businesses commit to for the community.

Braun-Pollon says some small business sectors have seen challenges, but there is a strong outlook by many local companies.