The role of small businesses necessarily features prominently in any discussion of the structure and performance of British Columbia’s economy. It is no exaggeration to say that an orientation toward small businesses is one of the defining characteristics of the province’s economy.

The role of small businesses necessarily features prominently in any discussion of the structure and performance of British Columbia’s economy. It is no exaggeration to say that an orientation toward small businesses is one of the defining characteristics of the province’s economy.

The most recent Small Business Profile^[1], an annual publication co-produced by BC Stats and Western Economic Diversification Canada, provides a wealth of useful information on the number and distribution of businesses across the province. In developing the report, the government agencies classify as “small businesses” all enterprises with fewer than 50 paid employees, plus the numerous businesses operated by self-employed individuals with no paid help. “Large businesses” are those with 50 or more paid workers.