Local economies have been hit hard as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with small local businesses struggling to recover.

As a response to the challenge, an initiative encouraging Canadians to support local businesses is being launched, on July 25, in an effort to revive the economy nationwide.

Titled, 鈥楾he Big Spend鈥�, the initative is meant to be more than a symbolic gesture of hope.

It is a practical step communities can take as part of a larger action plan for economic recovery in Canada.

鈥淚n my work with Leading Influence, I get to meet with and support leaders from across Canada. Kick-starting our economy is on all of their minds,鈥� said Tim Schindel, national director of Leading Influence and 鈥榝ounder.

The goal is for Canadians to spend, and in turn, inject $100 million into the economy in a single day.

鈥淐hambers of commerce from across our nation, along with local businesses and individual Canadians, are signing on to be 鈥楽pend Friends,鈥欌�� said Deb McClelland, former past president of Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada. 鈥淐ollectively, on July 25, we can make this the largest 鈥楥hristmas in July鈥� Canada has ever seen.鈥�

According to The Big Spend, Canadians鈥� intentional buying and support of local businesses in one day will create a 鈥榤ultiplier effect鈥�, which will help create a snowball of growth in local communities, and later, the country as well.

Community organizations, churches, and chambers of commerce will join Canadians across the country to help kickstart economic recovery on July 25.

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