Support Local: Canadian Businesses to Shop in 2025

U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods are putting added pressure on small businesses across the country — many of whom are already navigating tight margins and economic uncertainty. In a recent Startup Canada 73.3% of Canadian entrepreneurs expect reduced sales and profit margins. These measures not only challenge businesses but also test our resilience. Yet, in the face of these economic hurdles, Canadians have rallied together, proving that unity can indeed lead to strength and hope. 

 

As consumers, every dollar we spend holds power. Choosing Canadian-made products isn’t just a patriotic act; it’s a practical strategy to bolster our local economies, safeguard jobs, and mitigate the adverse effects of international trade conflicts. By supporting homegrown businesses, we not only enjoy high-quality goods but also contribute directly to sustaining our communities and reinforcing our economy.

 

Check out the Canadian companies featured below that our community loves, from eco-friendly grocery delivery services and premium meat suppliers to innovative skincare and household products. Each business exemplifies the spirit of innovation and commitment to community that define Canadian entrepreneurship.


1. BocoBoco

 

About: Did you know that the average person in Quebec generates 724 kg of waste per year? BocoBoco is tackling this challenge head-on as a local, eco-responsible gourmet grocery store founded by Lauren Rochat in 2019. Their mission is to make waste-free shopping easy, accessible, and sustainable by supporting consumers in making environmentally friendly choices.

BocoBoco carefully selects high-quality, local, pesticide-free foods and delivers them in reusable containers—eliminating single-use packaging. Their commitment to sustainability extends to their delivery methods, using bike trailers, hybrid cars, and Communauto vehicles to keep their operations as green as possible. Say goodbye to the hassle of lugging heavy bulk groceries and second-guessing quantities—BocoBoco makes zero-waste shopping effortless.

Impact: To date, BocoBoco has prevented 104,000 disposable packages from entering Canadian landfills, helping customers reduce their food packaging waste by 21%. They also support the next generation of changemakers by employing entrepreneurial youth through the Intrapreneurship Program.

Support: If you’re in the Montreal area and ready to make the switch to zero-waste groceries, visit their website and follow them on social media:

IG: @bocoboco_ca

FB: @BocoBoco

LI: @BocoBoco


2. truLOCAL 

About: truLOCAL isn’t just about delivering premium meat; it embodies a dynamic network of local producers, devoted team members, and satisfied consumers throughout Canada. Established with the aim of making top-quality, locally-sourced meats and fish more accessible, truLOCAL directly connects you with local farmers, fisheries, butchers, and producers. Available in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, this cutting-edge online marketplace enables you to support regional economies effortlessly from the comfort of your home.

Impact: truLOCAL is a great alternative to standard grocery stores – revolutionizing the way we think about and purchase our meats and fish. By prioritizing regional supply chains, truLOCAL not only champions local Canadian farmers but also minimizes the environmental impact of long-haul transportation. This ensures that you enjoy the freshest and highest-quality products straight to your doorstep.

Support: Visit truLOCAL’s website to elevate your meal planning while supporting local Canadian producers and follow them on social media:

IG: @truLOCAL

FB: @truLOCAL

Twitter: @TruLocal

YouTube: @truLOCAL


3. Satya Skincare 

About: Satya isn’t just a skincare product — it’s a promise of purity and effectiveness, rooted in a mother’s love and a journalist’s rigor. Founded by Patrice Mousseau, a member of Fort William First Nation and a devoted mother driven by the need to heal her daughter Esme’s painful eczema, Satya began as a humble homemade remedy using a $15 crockpot. With a commitment to a “higher truth” (the Sanskrit meaning of ‘Satya’), every aspect of the product, from sourcing ingredients to packaging is designed to be clean, simple, and purposeful. 

Impact: By focusing on just five organic ingredients, Satya provides relief without the harmful side effects associated with steroid creams. Approved by Health Canada and the U.S. FDA, Satya’s organic plant-based formula offers a steroid-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic solution that is suitable for all ages. The impact extends beyond skin care, offering a gentler alternative for the planet and promoting sustainable practices in skincare production.

Support: Visit Satya Skincare for their skin relief products and follow their journey on social media:

IG: @satyaorganic

FB: @SatyaOrganic

Twitter: @satyaorganic

YouTube: @satyaorganicskincare

TikTok: @satyaorganic

Pinterest: @satyaorganic


4. Só Luxury

About: Nestled in the heart of Mission, BC, Só Luxury is the brainchild of two devoted moms and best friends, Amanda and Shylah. Launched from their desire to craft safe and effective skincare solutions for their own children, Só Luxury has grown into a beloved local business that cherishes its roots and community. Their signature product, the Coco Oat Milk Bath, developed originally for Amanda’s son to alleviate eczema, has gained recognition as a Licensed Natural Health Product by Health Canada— a testament to its efficacy and safety.

Impact: Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, they employ a close-knit team of family and friends, ensuring fair wages, benefits, and flexible working conditions. Só Luxury has not only provided relief to those with skin conditions but also significantly contributed to the local economy and community. With over $200,000 donated in cash and in-kind contributions since 2020, their commitment extends beyond skincare. Each product is a reflection of their dedication to quality and community, using biodegradable, all-natural ingredients that are as good for the skin as they are for the earth.

Support: Visit their website to explore their products and learn more about their mission. You can also show your support and stay connected by following them on social media:

IG: @soluxuryinc

FB: @soluxuryinc


5. Kind Laundry 

About: Kind Laundry is redefining the way we think about laundry care. Founded by Angie and Bernard, who themselves experienced various health issues from childhood, Kind Laundry was born from a critical look at the conventional laundry products that dominate the market. Realizing the need for a healthier, more sustainable option, they created a line of premium, eco-friendly laundry detergents that are free from harsh chemicals and unnecessary fillers. Packaged in 100% recyclable materials, Kind Laundry offers a non-toxic solution that prioritizes the well-being of families, pets, and the planet.

Impact: Since its inception, Kind Laundry has made significant strides in environmental and social sustainability. Their innovative laundry detergent sheets have eliminated the use of over 500,000 single-use plastic jugs, drastically reducing landfill waste. Furthermore, the company has contributed over 50,000 laundry sheets to animal shelters across Canada, demonstrating their commitment to kindness not just towards the environment but also towards animals in need. Kind Laundry is a testament to how small changes in our daily routines can lead to substantial impacts on our health and the environment.

Support: If you’re looking to transform your laundry habits into a healthier, eco-conscious routine, visit Kind Laundry’s website or follow them on social media to learn more.

IG: @kindlaundry

FB: @kindlaundryofficial

YouTube: @kindlaundry6794

TikTok: @kindlaundry


6. The Yukon Soaps Company

About: The Yukon Soaps Company is dedicated to empowering, nurturing, and celebrating Northern Indigenous cultures, communities, and people. Based in Canada’s Yukon Territory, they craft high-quality, handmade soaps and bath products using natural ingredients, sustainable practices, and Indigenous traditions. Founded by Joella Hogan, a proud member of the Northern Tutchone First Nation, Yukon Soaps infuses its products with the essence of the land, featuring ingredients like rose petals and juniper berries. They also make bath bombs, body oils, and shampoo bars, all inspired by the region’s natural beauty.

Impact: More than just a soap company, Yukon Soaps serves as a community hub – fostering cultural connection, language preservation, and environmental stewardship. Joella supports Indigenous traditions and supports the Canadian economy by leading soap-making workshops and running a business development program to uplift local entrepreneurs. Through our Intrapreneurship Program, Yukon Soaps has also provided employment opportunities for entrepreneurial youth.

Support: Explore their handcrafted creations and follow them on social media:

IG: @yukonsoapscompany

FB: @theyukonsoapscompany


7. KITS

About: Canadians are increasingly seeking convenient and quality eyecare solutions. That’s why KITS was born on the vibrant shores of Kits Beach in Vancouver, founded by three friends determined to innovate how we approach eyecare. Since its inception in 2018, KITS has been committed to making eyecare easy, fast, and affordable without compromising on quality. KITS offers a vast selection of eyewear, from their signature brand to a diverse array of designer frames and contacts, all tailored in their modern optical lab in Vancouver to meet individual prescription needs.

Impact: KITS has dramatically transformed the eyecare industry in Canada, serving over 1 million customers since its launch. As a fully integrated, lean, and locally operated business, KITS not only ensures affordability and convenience but also supports Canadian craftsmanship, providing customers with fast, locally made eyecare solutions that stand the test of time. Plus, Canadians get their first pair for FREE

Support: Visit their website or connect with them on social media to explore their extensive selection and experience their customer-first approach:

IG: @kitseyecare

FB: @kitseyecare

Twitter: @kitseyecare

TikTok: @kitseyecare

Pinterest: @kitseyecare


Choosing Canadian products, particularly those committed to environmental sustainability and ethical practices, is an investment not only in the health of our families but also in the well-being of our planet. These choices forge a path toward a more resilient and healthier Canada.

With the pressing need for financial support due to tariff impacts, as highlighted by 42.5% of survey respondents, our Intrapreneurship Program offers the perfect solution. This initiative connects student teams with small businesses to engage in innovative projects at no cost. Students work part-time, earn $22/hour, and all associated costs are fully covered by Venture for Canada. This is an ideal opportunity for early-stage startups and small businesses looking for fresh perspectives without the financial strain.

 

For Businesses: 

Enhance your team with eager-to-learn students ready to contribute to your projects at no cost to you. Learn more about fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs through hands-on experience and mentorship. 

Applications are open for the July 2025 cohort! Sign up here

 

For Students: 

Gain practical experience and earn while you learn, working on real projects that make a difference. This is your chance to apply your studies in a real-world environment, enhancing your skills and building your resume before graduation. 

Applications open on April 28th! Sign up for the waitlist here


Rebecca Scott is a creative person who believes in leading with kindness. At VFC, you’ll find her using...