Summertime is here again and ‘tis the season to Shop Small Biz!

Are you looking to get some social media-driven customer love for your small business?

Or perhaps you are seeking an opportunity to list your business on a free directory exclusively dedicated to Canadian small businesses?

Guess what? We’ve got you covered on both counts.

First, the contest: get your customers to spread the good word about why your small business is their favourite by asking them to enter the #SmallBizLove contest, sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and Interac.

It’s really simple and fun: your customer shares the love for your small business on Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #SmallBizLove.  Customers can also use a downloadable poster available from ShopSmallBiz.ca and snap a pic of it posted it in your establishment using the same hashtag.  The winning customers gets a $500 shopping spree to spend at your business, and the businesses with the most submissions gets recognition by CFIB, including the possibility of a national campaign to mark Small Business Saturday in October 2015.

And the directory? ShopSmallBiz.ca is where all the cool small businesses go! Launched in 2013, it’s a handy, searchable listing of small businesses across every walk of life, from auto mechanics to beauty salons to dentists. You can also find small businesses in your neighbourhood that offer discounts. It’s definitely worth having your business listed here and it’s 100% free. CFIB members, including My StartUp Canada members get the added benefit of a free premium listing.

The contest and the directory are but two items on a long list of positive things that CFIB does for Canada’s small business community. Consider joining CFIB today.

If you’ve been in business for less than two years, you can join My StartUp for a six-month FREE introductory membership.