Holiday shopping season is nearly here. One number worth keeping in mind before the cart fills up: $48 of every $100 spent at a locally owned business recirculates in the community. October is Small Business Month, and the Free Press’s Small Business supplement looks at the businesses on the other side of that $48, and at the year they have had. Warlock Lid Co. started in a spare bedroom in Killarney in 2022. Its Toba, Sask and Berta hats are now in more than 100 stores across Western Canada. When tariffs hit, owner Brett Warbeck moved every supplier to a Canadian one and stopped shipping to the U.S. MicroPilot has been building autopilot systems for drones for 32 years. President Howard Loewen says reaching niche customers used to come down to search engine placement. Now, he says, it is what AI thinks of you that matters. 54 per cent of Manitoba small business owners were affected by crime or safety issues last year, according to the CFIB. The province’s Business Security Rebate Program covers up to $2,500 in security upgrades, and 494 Security Services starts clients with the basics: after-hours lighting and cameras with no blind spots. “Believe in your business, but listen to the naysayers.” – Howard Loewen, president, MicroPilot Thank you to Efficiency Manitoba, First Peoples Development Inc., Manitoba Blue Cross and the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba for supporting Small Business Month with us.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
A SUPPLEMENT TO
OCTOBER 2026
MONTH
STOATPHOTO / ADOBE STOCK
CRIZZYSTUDIO / ADOBE STOCK
ANDREY POPOV / ADOBE STOCK
It’s their
Start planning their return to work. COMEBACK STORY Start planning today at: wcb.mb.ca
View online at winnipegfreepress.com/fp-features
2
SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
Now more than ever people are proud of where they’re from and they want to display that.”
– Brett Warbeck, Owner of Warlock Lid Co.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN FAST-CHANGING TIMES
internal capacity that a larger organization may have,” Saftiuk said. Brett Warbeck, Owner of Warlock Lid Co., has experienced those disruptions first-hand. Warbeck launched Warlock Lid Co., a headwear and apparel com - pany based in Killarney, in March of 2022. What started as a side hustle run out of a spare bedroom has grown into a brand recognized across the prairie provinces, with Premier Wab Kinew and even Alberta Premier Danielle Smith sporting Warbeck’s provincial logos. The Toba, Sask, and Berta hats and apparel can be found in more than 100 stores across Western Canada, Warbeck said, with home base now being a shop run by three, full-time employees in down - town Killarney. “Definitely there have been challenges,” Warbeck said, adding that tariffs and increasing prices made it next to impossible to continue using some of their original suppliers. “We've managed to switch all our suppliers to Canadian suppliers and things are a lot easier to deal with. Shipping has been very difficult. We have lots of Canadians in the (United States) that we would ship to, but with the tariffs, the pricing is ridiculous. They have to pay more in tariffs than the actual hat.” While Warbeck hasn’t had to raise prices on his products, he said they have had to stop all their U.S. shipping. “(Our U.S. customers) are disappointed they can’t get the product, but they understand why it’s happening.” However, the tensions between the U.S. and Canada have helped to bolster Warlock Lid Co.’s popularity, Warbeck said. “Now more than ever people are proud of where they’re from and they want to display that,” Warbeck said.
Having a following on social media has also helped the business grow, Warbeck said. “Social media is probably the easiest way to get a business seen,” Warbeck said. “If you can get it out there and people start sharing your product, that's a big help … online retail is also changing things.” These rapid advancements in technology have made starting a business now dramatically different than it was even a few decades ago, said Howard Loewen, president of MicroPilot. “It has really been the glory times for entrepreneurs in that you can reach audiences and you can reach customers with relatively inexpensive means,” Loewen said. “Especially a niche business. Some businesses have a natural cus - tomer base in the city they're in, but for some niche businesses, you really have to canvas the entire world to find enough customers to make it viable. We're such a business.” MicroPilot has been designing reliable software and hardware for drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for 32 years, with customers using MicroPilot’s control systems in drones valued any - where between $100,000 to $5 million. “Certainly 32 years ago, there was no social media. Google was was fairly new, so it was relatively easy to get search engine place - ment. Now, you have to worry about what AI thinks of you, rather than what the search engines think of you, in order to reach the world. Lots of things have changed,” Loewen said. “Before internet search, it really would have been difficult for a small niche company like MicroPilot to survive, because it would have just been too expensive and too difficult to reach customers.”
BY ERIN DEBOOY
Unprecedented times haven’t stopped Manitoba entrepreneurs
from continuing to thrive, though that growth hasn’t come without challenges. “T here is a significant amount of uncertainty in the busi - ness environment right now, and for entrepreneurs and small businesses, that makes it much more difficult to plan with confidence,” said Elisabeth Saftiuk, acting president and CEO of the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce. “At the same time, periods of disruption can create opportunity. Businesses are looking at new markets, new suppliers and new technologies, and thinking differently about how they operate. En - trepreneurs are often particularly good at identifying a problem or an unmet need and finding a new way to address it.” In a recent Manitoba Business Outlook Survey, more than three-quarters of Manitoba businesses said economic uncertainty is affecting their hiring, financial planning or investment decisions. Four out of five are concerned about trade disruptions over the coming year, and nearly two-thirds said U.S. trade tensions and tar - iffs have already had a negative impact on their operations. “For a small business, those pressures can be particularly acute. An entrepreneur is often making decisions about cash flow, staff - ing, inventory and investment without the same financial cushion or
3
SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
Research has found that 85 per cent of Manitoba businesses sur - veyed were already using AI tools such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, but only one in five had a documented AI strategy or poli - cy, Saftiuk said. “That tells us there is significant interest, but businesses still need support to move from experimenting with AI to using it intention - ally and productively,” Saftiuk said. The Manitoba Chamber is trying to address this through the Man - itoba AI Pathways program, Saftiuk added, which helps small and mid-sized businesses across the province build practical capacity to adopt AI in their everyday operations. “We can help businesses in communities across Manitoba access practical training, resources and tools such as the AI Readiness Assessment, and help them identify where AI can actually create value in their business,” Saftiuk said. “For a small business, that might mean reducing repetitive admin - istrative work, improving decision-making or customer service, or simply giving an owner and their employees more time to focus on higher-value work. The opportunity isn't about adopting technology for technology's sake. It's about helping Manitoba businesses be - come more productive and competitive.” Loewen says he anticipates AI creating huge opportunities go - ing forward.
“There will be all kinds of people that envisage new ways to do things with the tools, and really incredible tools that are starting to come onto the market,” Loewen said. “Doing the research that's necessary to make sure that your busi - ness is viable is much easier to do now with AI tools, it’s much easier to summarize vast amounts of data and make sure that your idea is economically viable.” While the current climate might be daunting for entrepreneurs ready to take their idea to the next level, Loewen says there’s noth - ing wrong with a little bit of fear. “I don't believe that we are made to be at our best when we’re re - clining in a soft, comfy chair. I think we're made to be at our best when we’re in a cave and there's a mountain lion just outside the entrance and we have to figure out how to deal with the situation,” Loewen said. “The failure rate of startups is high … but that's not a reason not to try, it is a reason to think carefully. Make sure you've done the math, that it's not just your gut feeling. Believe in your business, but listen to the naysayers. Don't believe the naysayers, but listen to them. Understand what their concern is, and then make sure you know why they're wrong.” ●
The failure rate of startups is high … but that's not a reason not to try, it is a reason to think carefully.” — Howard Loewen
ANDREY POPOV / ADOBE STOCK
It’s their
COMEBACK And you have an important role to play. STORY
Having a proactive plan for injured or ill workers is a win for everyone. For you, it helps retain talent, ensures compliance and can lower costs. For them, it’s a safe path back to meaningful work, even if it includes modified duties or reduced hours. And your commitment not only maintains productivity, it builds a resilient workforce that knows they’re valued.
Start planning today at: wcb.mb.ca
4
SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
Loren Remillard, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE SUDOMA
BREAK-INS CAN HAVE BIG CONSEQUENCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
or its only $5,000.’ It’s not. It’s a crime, it has a cost and it’s costing companies their livelihoods and people their jobs.” Remillard says the province’s Business Security Rebate Program, which provides up to $2,500 for eligible security upgrades such as cameras and alarms was a good first step in addressing the issue. However, he says government at all levels needs to do more to help businesses that are struggling to protect themselves against break- ins and other crimes or risk serious consequences. “If government … doesn’t rise to the occasion of working with business, those businesses will shutter their doors and move to lo - cations that are believed to be at lower risk of criminal behaviour. If that happens, you start creating entire neighbourhoods where it’s like a desert of businesses (unable) to provide goods and services for those hard-hit communities,” he adds. While it’s virtually impossible to prevent break-ins, the co-own - er of a local security company says there are some simple steps small business owners can take to reduce the chances of it hap - pening to them. James Waldner of Winnipeg-based 494 Security Services says one of the first things they should do is ensure they have appropriate after-hours lighting, both inside and outside their business. “Thieves don’t like light. They don’t like to be seen. They don’t like it to be known that they’re on the property,” says Waldner, whose company provides security staffing and offers security risk assessments to businesses. “If you light up your area very well, it definitely does deter thieves and it looks like somebody’s there. It looks like somebody’s taking care of it.”
BY JIM TIMLICK
It’s hardly a surprise that many small business owners say crime is one of the biggest challenges facing them these days. A recent study conducted on behalf of the Canadian Feder - ation of Independent Business (CFIB) showed that 54 per cent of small business owners surveyed in Manitoba were impacted by crime and safety issues in the previous year, with break-ins being listed as one of their top concerns. Consider two recent examples. In September, thieves hid inside a Winnipeg flea market until it closed and later made off with rough - ly $70,000 worth of trading cards and related merchandise. Two weeks earlier, the owner of a local collectibles shop was robbed of $6,000 worth of similar items. Loren Remillard, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Cham - ber of Commerce, say robberies like those are eating into the already razor-thin profits and threatening the future of many small businesses. “We need to stop treating retail theft as a victimless crime,” says Remillard, whose organization represents hundreds of small businesses. “Far too often its being handled that way by enforcement agen - cies, by the courts, by public opinion. ‘Oh, it’s just a chocolate bar
DRUGOENEBO / ADOBE STOCK
5
SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
Waldner also recommends that businesses conduct regular maintenance around the exterior of their location. He says a shop that looks like it is unattended often becomes a target for thieves because it gives them the impression that the owner doesn’t care much about it. Interior and exterior security cameras have become a must-have item for businesses. Waldner says businesses need to make sure they have enough cameras and they are located in wherever neces - sary to ensure there are no “blind spots.” He also recommends that businesses invest in quality cameras rather than simply looking for the best deal. “You can’t just go buy some system that you think is going to work. You’re better off spending a little bit more money so it’s got night vision and you can actually make out the suspect if they come onto your property. You might as well make it worthwhile so that it will actually help the police if they’re going to investigate after the fact,” he says. Another possible deterrent small business owners might want to con - sider is mobile security checks conducted by uniformed personnel. Waldner says such checks often deter would-be thieves from breaking into a business because there is a much higher risk of them being caught. Although it can be an expensive option for some small business owners, he says it can be made more afford - able for locations such as strip malls or business centres where businesses can paid for it on a cost-sharing basis. Hardening a storefront to resist any kind of forced entry is also an important consideration. That includes installing measures such as shatter-proof windows, crash-rated bollards and reinforced doors and hardware. Waldner also recommends regular inspections of all doors, windows and locks to make sure they are in working order. Waldner says the worst thing a small business owner can do is think their business is not at risk of being broken into. “Take whatever measures you can because if you secure your fa - cility well, that’s definitely going to deter a thief much more than if they think nobody’s there or nobody’s watching.” ● We need to stop treating retail theft as a victimless crime.” — Loren Remillard, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
NEW AFRICA / ADOBE STOCK
Create health coverage customized for your company, needs and budget. From a few to a crew – get group benefits
Benefits can include: • health and dental, including virtual health services • prescription drugs • vision • employee assistance (counselling) • health spending • wellness spending • disability
• life insurance • accidental death and dismemberment • critical incident • travel health • organizational assistance • and more!
Less than 3 employees? Consider a Manitoba Blue Cross personal health care plan to suit the needs of your company, employees and budget.
Let us be your trusted health and wellness partner.
Learn more and request a quote:
mb.bluecross.ca
®The Blue Cross symbol and name and Colour of Caring are registered marks of the Canadian Association of Blue Cross Plans, independently licensed by Manitoba Blue Cross. 2026-1005
6
SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
Buying local offers more chances to find something unique.
REASONS TO SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Holiday shoppers have no shortage of retailers competing for their dollars come December. The National Retail Federation estimated 2025 holiday spending exceeded $1 trillion, and there’s little reason to suspect 2026 spending won’t match or exceed that amount.
W ith so much money being spent, retailers have much to gain from attracting holiday shoppers. While big-box stores and online retailers may beckon shoppers louder than anyone this December, there are plenty of reasons to shop lo - cally when buying gifts for loved ones during the holiday season. • Buying local benefits communities. Communities benefit when shoppers spend their money at locally owned businesses. Ac - cording to the Local Business Institute, $48 of every $100 spent at a locally owned business recirculates in the community. That means supporting one business in your community indirectly leads to supporting others. And residents should know that a thriving local business sector is great for property values, as buyers tend to be willing to pay more to live in locations with successful shops, cafés and restaurants.
• Buying local encourages additional investment. New Jer - sey-based Spencer Savings Bank notes the appeal of already thriving business sectors on other entrepreneurs seeking to open their businesses. By supporting existing local businesses now, residents are helping to establish a foundation for future eco - nomic growth within their communities. The holiday season is a particularly lucrative time for businesses of all sizes, so that makes it a perfect time for locals to support the establishments in their community. • Buying local offers more chances to find something unique. Buying local also pays more immediate dividends come the holiday season. Big box stores and online retailers sell the same items to people regardless of where they live, whereas inde - pendently owned local businesses tend to feature more unique items that can only be found in their stores. Shoppers looking for unique gifts may find them at local businesses.
• Buying local benefits the environment. Eco-conscious holiday shoppers should know that buying local is often beneficial for the environment. Locally crafted and purchased items will not require as much packaging as items purchased from big box stores or online retailers that must protect products from the wear and tear of long-distance travel. And that travel also has a negative impact on the environment, as the longer distance it takes to get a product from a warehouse to a consumer’s home, the greater the environmental impact. The holiday season is a lucrative time of year for retailers, and there are numerous reasons why shoppers should focus their buying power on local businesses this year and in the years to come. ●
LEFTMADE / ADOBE STOCK
7
SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
KIRK HEWLETT / ADOBE STOCK
FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT SMALL BUSINESSES IN CANADA AND THE U.S. A ccording to the World Bank, small and medium enterprises represent roughly 90 per cent of businesses and more than 50 per cent of employment worldwide. A weakened small Though they might be characterized as “small,” businesses with fewer than 500 employees have a big impact on the economy.
• Small businesses are also a significant driver of job creation in Canada. The Government of Canada reports that small busi - nesses were responsible for 69 per cent of the net employment change between 2020 and 2021. In the United States, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that small businesses created 12.9 million net new jobs between 1996 and 2021. • Despite their importance to local, national and global econo - mies, a high percentage of small businesses close within their first year of opening. In Canada, estimates suggest 21.5 per cent of small businesses close before the end of their first year. Com - parable data from the United States indicates that around 20 per cent of small businesses close within a year of opening. • Statistics Canada reports that small businesses employed 63.8 per cent of the Canadian workforce in 2021. In the United States, the SBA reports that 61.7 million Americans, repre - senting 46.4 per cent of private-sector employees, work for small businesses.
• Long-term survival rates also highlight the resilience and chal - lenges facing entrepreneurs. The Business Development Bank of Canada reports that nearly 68 per cent of new businesses remain in operation after five years, though Made in Canada reports that figure drops to about 33 per cent after 10 years. In the United States, BLS data indicates that just under 35 per cent of small businesses that opened in 2012 were still operat - ing a decade later. The data highlights the significant role small businesses play in Canada's economy and in communities across the country. Com - parable figures from the United States reinforce the broader impact small businesses have on employment, innovation and economic growth throughout North America and around the world. ●
business sector could put local, national and even global economies in jeopardy, which further underscores how vital small firms are to economic stability. Statistics don't tell the whole story about small businesses, but they can offer insight into the role firms with 500 employees or fewer play in the economy. In Canada, small businesses are a cor - nerstone of economic growth and employment. Comparable data from the United States further demonstrates how integral the small business sector is across North America. • The Government of Canada reports that, among the country's 1.21 million employer firms, 1.19 million are small businesses. Similar figures are reported in the United States, where the Small Business Administration indicates there were 33.2 mil - lion small businesses in operation as of 2022.
PROSTOCK-STUDIO / ADOBE STOCK
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS CAN SAVE ENERGY & MONEY
GET IN TOUCH TO START SAVING efficiencyMB.ca/SmallBusiness
8
SMALL BUSINESS MONTH - SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026
FPDI employs Line Cook graduates for internships at FPDI CAFE, located in the Inkster Park Industrial area.
DELICIOUS SOUPS
First Peoples Development Inc. (FPDI) provides hands-on training programs that build skills, con dence and pathways to employment for First Nations people. The Line Cook Program, delivered in partnership with the Manitoba Tourism Education Council (MTEC), gives participants the culinary skills and real-world experience they need to succeed.
DAILY SPECIALS
FRESH MEALS
For graduates like Jordan Whiteway, the opportunity continued beyond the classroom. After completing
the program, Jordan gained valuable work experience by joining the FPDI CAFÉ
team since it opened in 2025.
“It ’ s been amazing. I didn’ t expect myself to enjoy this so much.”
Three cohorts have completed the program, with a fourth scheduled for October 2026. It’s one of many FPDI training opportunities helping First Nations people build skills, gain experience and open doors to new career paths. Learn more at www.FPDINC.ca
FPDI Cafe
1355 Mountain Avenue Winnipeg Free Press bldg. Enter through West side patio doors
Follow us on Instagram for specials and updates!
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8Powered by FlippingBook