 Shop local is a transaction. Build local is a relationship.
Every October, Small Business Month gives us a reason to celebrate the shops, studios, cafés, trades and service providers that make St. Thomas feel like home. And every October, the message is the same: shop local. It matters, and we'll keep saying it. But buying something is only one way to show up for local business. The strongest small business communities are built by residents who also recommend, connect, volunteer, speak up and invest. Some of the most valuable support you can give costs nothing. This month, we're inviting you to think a little bigger. Here's what building local can look like, and how you can start this week.
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 October is the month of pumpkins, crisp air, and a little bit of magic. It’s also the perfect reminder that business doesn’t always have to follow the usual rules. Sometimes the most memorable ideas come from thinking a little differently.
This month, challenge yourself to do one thing “out of the box.” Maybe it’s a quirky promotion inspired by Halloween — a spooky social media post, a themed product bundle, or a playful contest. Maybe it’s trying a completely new way of connecting with customers, like a short, unexpected video introducing your team or a behind-the-scenes peek at how you work.  As the leaves start to turn in Elgin–St. Thomas, it’s the perfect time for small business owners to pause and plan for the busy months ahead. Fall and early winter bring a mix of opportunities from seasonal sales to local events! All good things…and I’m here to say that taking the time to anticipate market changes can make all the difference between a frantic scramble and a smooth, successful season.
 Running a small business in Elgin–St. Thomas can feel like trying to juggle an elephant, or like teaching an elephant to juggle – I’m not sure which would be harder?!
Between managing clients, keeping finances in order, posting on social media, and responding to emails, it’s easy to feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Luckily, digital tools (including AI) can make life a lot easier.  “It’ll never work.” That was the sentiment Pom Quangvan-Montague faced when she opened the doors of her first business and restaurant Lotus Thai Restaurant 20 years ago in downtown St. Thomas. At the time, the restaurants in the city were mainly Italian, Chinese, or Canadian and American fast-food joints. Thai food was completely foreign, let alone authentic Thai food made from scratch with traditional recipes. But Pom didn’t let the naysayers deter her, and she had faced much larger uphill battles in life.
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