6 Ways to Support Local Businesses in Halifax this Season

With the yuletide season in full swing, it's more important now than ever that we support local businesses in Halifax. Our purchases make significant difference to businesses-owners and their employees, especially during these challenging times. This season consider spending some or all of your dollars within your local community as you tackle your holiday shopping list.

Here are six resources to help you find holiday gifts for family and friends and support local business in Halifax.

1. Find New Small Businesses on vLife

Support small, independent businesses in Halifax with vLife. Their online platform makes it easy to shop small and shop local. Visit their website to browse through dozens of local retailers and service-providers.

2. Visit the Evergreen Market

The Evergreen Festival is offering both in-person and virtual holiday experiences until December 20^th. You can browse their online Evergreen Market, with links to vendors' online shops. Plus, the Halifax waterfront will still be twinkling for you to enjoy safe strolls through Evergreen Bright and you can enjoy live-streamed entertainment from the Evergreen website.

3. Participate in Mayor Mike’s Local Stuff Challenge

Get in the spirit by bidding on one of holiday stockings prepared for the Local Stuff Challenge. Each participating district is filling a stocking with products from local shops in their area and they’ll be auctioned off in support of Shelter Nova Scotia.

“The Local Stuff Challenge is an opportunity for all of us to think about our spending decisions this holiday season and throughout the year,” says Mayor Savage. “Local businesses put money back into our community, they provide employment and support neighbourhood causes and events. This year they need us more than ever.”

4. Browse Online with BuyHalifax

BuyHalifax is an all-encompassing shop local movement. Check out links to Halifax businesses, including The Local Wishlist published by HalifaxBloggers. Show off your support for local by posting the BuyHalifax branding every time you purchase from a local retailer, restaurant, hotel or more.

5. Buy a Gift that Gives Back with Hope Blooms

This holiday season, Hope Blooms is selling holiday gift boxes priced at $75 with 100% of the profit going toward providing food baskets for more than 85 families in need. Each box features a signed book/cookbook, two holiday dressings, a Hot Cocoa Boys dark hot chocolate blend, a Happy Hibiscus tea and recipe cards.

6. Check Out Your Neighborhood Business Association

• Downtown Halifax Gift Guide 2020: Shop local from more than 80 businesses in Downtown Halifax and Spring Garden Road. Many of the businesses featured in the Gift Guide offer online shopping, contactless pick-up, and/or home delivery.
• Spring Garden Road Area Business Association: The Spring Garden area has many deals, promotions, and extended hours from now until December 24th.
• North End Business Association: Discover and shop with businesses located in North End Halifax.
• Downtown Dartmouth Holiday Guide: Downtown Dartmouth is the place for unique gifts and experiences.
• Quinpool Road Mainstreet District Association: Quinpool Road is home to a diverse and tight-knit business district with more than 120 businesses.
• Sackville Business Association: Find the goods, services, and experiences you're looking for in the Sackville Business District using their online directory.
• Spryfield Business Commission: Discover and support businesses in the Spryfield area using their online directory.
• The Village on Main Community Improvement District (Dartmouth): Explores shops and services in the Main Street Dartmouth area.
• Porters Lake Business Association: Learn more about how to shop businesses in the Porter's Lake area.
• Greater Burnside Business Association: The 2020 Edition of the Burnside Business Directory is available for download on the GBBA website.

Halifax is filled of hundreds of local businesses that contribute to the growth of our city and keep it vibrant. We hope this year you choose to take advantage of these local businesses and add a little splash of Halifax to your gift giving. Shop local and give our hard-working small businesses the opportunity to thrive beyond these challenging times. Choose local, choose Halifax, choose home.