Category Archives: Local Supply Chain

Tribute to Small Business Owners: Hardworking. Resilient. Supportive.

Islamic woman small business owner holding blackboard with smiling.2023-02-01 vLife Blog image Tribute to Small Business Owners

Ever look at all the small business owners at your local market, admiring their wares, and thought about how much work goes into them just being there? We think about this a lot at vLife. About our hardworking small business clients. So much so that we put on a Local Market featuring some of our […]

Small ways you can support local BIPOC-owned businesses

Group of Diverse Business owners working together.vLife Blog Supporting Local BIPOC Businesses

Around two years ago, I came across an Instagram post about a group of white women creating a start-up business based on the traditional Chinese mahjong game. I remember feeling shock and abject disappointment that these women were, appropriating a culture that was experiencing increasing amounts of hate at the time. To me, they were […]

The Many Benefits of Buying Local

Friends happily looking online together in a local cafe. vLife Blog The Many Benefits of Buying Local

We’ve been hearing more and more about the benefits of buying local lately. And we’re one of the steadfast contributors to this important conversation here at vLife. Why? Because research has shown that by buying locally sourced products, you’re supporting your fellow community members, growing your local economy, and reducing your carbon footprint. So, it […]

Supporting Local Wineries and Breweries: Nova Scotia Options

vLife Supporting local Wineries and Breweries in Nova Scotia. Large pint of craft beer with lobster dinner in the background.

Local wineries and breweries play a vital role in your local economy. While many people will still go for your typical Budweiser or Barefoot selections, the increase in local drinks connoisseurs over the past few decades has been significant – infusing strong growth in the microbrewery and micro winery industries. Especially in Nova Scotia! As […]

Real Challenges of Being a Small Business Owner

Toronto Skyline Fall Colours. 2022-12-28 Blog featured image Real Challenges of Small Business Owners in Toronto

They say money makes the world go round. For the most part, the phrase is true. But to say just big money turns the wheel is wrong. Small businesses and their owners make up 40% of the Canadian GDP and employ 60% of all Canadians. From small bakeries to the rise of online shops, small […]

Projected Recession Q&A: What does it all mean?

Thoughtful Black Man wondering about the impact of the projected recession on his small business

The projected recession looms large and we wanted to provide some helpful info – for context, and to help the small business owners we love prepare for what may be in-store. We’re still reeling from the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, as we will see, the pandemic economic effects are not […]

The World Cup, Canada and Buy Local – A Mixed Bag

vLife blog feature image Canada and World Cup 2026 Nov 2022

We’re done. The Canadians are mathematically out of the FIFA World Cup. But not without making a statement. After a historic run, Canada’s men’s soccer (or football, and vice versa) made The World Cup for the first time in 29 years and scored their first goal ever. And Canadians were watching. In fact, over 3.7 […]

Sustainable Shopping that’s Affordable Too

Happy sustainable shop owner

Sustainable shopping that is also affordable is hard. But even harder is global warming – a real, looming, and ever-growing problem. Recent hurricanes Fiona and Ian are very real proof of that.  Global warming truly is a persistent and universal problem. And, for me, this knowledge gives this sense of powerlessness. I’m sure many of […]

Top 5 Local Economy Growth Hacks through Buying Local

Happy small business woman with We're open sign

The local economy grows by supporting small businesses more than larger corporations. Why, you ask? Well, buying from small local businesses strengthens the local supply chain and retains more of your purchase dollars locally. Not to mention also reducing your carbon footprint. If you haven’t already, you can take a closer look at how this […]