British Columbia is the online microbusiness capital of Canada, with its density of online microbusinesses surpassing eastern counterparts including Ontario and Quebec, according to a new report from GoDaddy.
Venture Forward, GoDaddy’s international research initiative that studies the economic impacts of microbusinesses and the attitudes and needs of the owners who start and run them, analyzed data from 770,000 Canadian online microbusinesses (which typically employ 10 people or fewer ). Every province and territory in Canada has its density calculated, with “Microbusiness Density” relative to population density, said GoDaddy.
GoDaddy said research results show that British Columbia is Canada’s province leader, with 2.8 online microbusinesses per 100 residents. Ontario is in second place, with a Microbusiness Density of 2.5, and Alberta third with 2.1.
Jean Bradbury
Jean Bradbury, an artist, painter and GoDaddy customer with an eponymous online small business based in Bowen Island near Vancouver, said it’s the unique culture of British Columbia that enables small businesses to thrive there.
“British Columbia is very progressive and community minded. People like to shop ethically and sustainably, supporting local businesses and artists,” she said. “There are other key advantages of being in BC. Small business owners can enjoy the scenery and high quality of life of living in rural areas while taking advantage of having a major city hub – Vancouver – nearby.
“In my view, having an online presence has been crucial to showcase my newest work and secure high-value public art commissions. My business has grown consistently over the past four years, and I hope to continue expanding it thanks to my online reach.”
GoDaddy said the number of online microbusinesses is thriving across Canada, despite recent economic headwinds.
A surprising online microbusiness powerhouse emerged from the rankings, with small but mighty Prince Edward Island (1.59 microbusinesses per 100 residents) placing above neighbour Quebec (1.56), and above Manitoba (1.22) and Saskatchewan (1.32), it said, adding that GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research also found that online microbusinesses can bring significant return on investment for entrepreneurs. Almost three fifths (58%) of online microbusinesses in Canada surveyed were launched with less than $5,000 CAD in initial capital.
The data further showed that more than half of the online microbusiness owners said they generated over $2,500 in monthly revenue. And one in four Canadian online microbusiness entrepreneurs now manage more than one business, said the report
Young Lee
“Small business activity contributes to increased incomes and job creation across local communities GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research helps to illustrate the enormous economic contribution of online small and microbusinesses to wider Canadian life and the economy. Right now, British Columbia appears to be the heart of the country’s thriving online business scene,” said Young Lee, Canada Market Lead for GoDaddy.
“There are very few research studies that focus specifically on companies with under 10 employees in Canada. GoDaddy aims to change that by sharing this data with businesses and policymakers, helping them to make more informed decisions about entrepreneurs based on the challenges and opportunities that small and microbusiness owners face.”
Online Microbusiness Density and Rank by Canadian Province [source: GoDaddy Venture Forward, 2024]
Rank | Province | Microbusiness Density |
1st | British Columbia | 2.852319 |
2nd | Ontario | 2.469034 |
3rd | Alberta | 2.093635 |
4th | Yukon | 1.623086 |
5th | Prince Edward Island | 1.592033 |
6th | Quebec | 1.561452 |
7th | Saskatchewan | 1.324056 |
8th | Nova Scotia | 1.256882 |
9th | Northwest Territories and Nunavut | 1.239348 |
10th | Manitoba | 1.22378 |
11th | New Brunswick | 0.97433 |
12th | Newfoundland and Labrador | 0.750171 |
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Podcast. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 as one of the Top 10 Business Journalists in the World by PR News – the only Canadian to make the list. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024.
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