today, I want to talk about something that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves—small businesses. They’re the heart of every community, but they’re also the backbone of innovation. And I’ve got seven incredible small businesses from the West Coast, with a bit of a focus on Canada, that are absolutely punching above their weight. These businesses are making a real impact, whether it’s in their industry, their community, or even globally. Let’s dive in.
First up, there’s this bakery in Victoria, BC, called Salt + Honey. Now, I know—bakeries might not seem like the most groundbreaking thing. But Salt + Honey has this way of turning local ingredients into something that feels both nostalgic and completely new. They’ve got this cinnamon bun—brioche dough, local honey glaze, a touch of sea salt—it’s unreal. But what really sets them apart is how they’ve become a hub for the community. They partner with local farmers for their ingredients, they hire folks from employment programs for people facing barriers, and they’ve even started a “pay-it-forward” system. You can literally buy someone else’s breakfast, no strings attached. It’s small things like that, right? But they add up.
Okay, moving up the coast to Vancouver, there’s Revive Refillery. This is one of those zero-waste shops, but they’re doing it differently. They’ve created this whole network of partnerships with local brands to offer bulk products that are actually high quality. You go in, bring your jars, and refill anything from shampoo to olive oil. But here’s the kicker—they also do mobile refills. They’ll drive out to your house, weigh your containers, and fill them right there. No waste, no hassle. I mean, it’s such a West Coast idea, but it’s so practical that you wonder why it’s not everywhere yet.
Now, let’s talk about a little company out of Seattle—Tiny Home Solutions. Yes, the tiny house movement has been around for a while, but these folks are bringing it to the masses. They specialize in backyard units that work as rentals, guest houses, or even home offices. What’s cool is how they work with homeowners to navigate zoning laws, permits, and even financing. They’re turning what feels like a headache into a turnkey process. And in places where housing is tight—and expensive—this kind of creativity makes a huge difference.
Heading inland a bit to Kelowna, BC, we’ve got Okanagan Craft Spirits. Now, craft distilleries aren’t new, but what makes these guys stand out is their commitment to sustainability. They source almost everything from within a hundred kilometers of their distillery, and they’ve found ways to reuse their waste. Leftover grains? They go to local farmers for feed. Water from the distillation process? Recycled into their cooling systems. It’s clever, right? And their gin? Oh man, it tastes like a walk through an alpine forest. If you’re in the area, their tasting room is an experience in itself.
Alright, number five. This one’s a little different. It’s a tech company out of Portland called GreenMetrics. They’ve developed software that helps businesses measure—and reduce—their carbon footprint. It’s all about making sustainability accessible for companies that maybe don’t have a dedicated team for this kind of thing. They’ve got clients ranging from small cafes to regional airlines. And what’s brilliant is that they don’t just measure; they provide actionable recommendations. It’s like having a sustainability coach in your back pocket.
Next up, we’re back in Vancouver with Thread & Timber. This is a clothing brand, but they’re all about slow fashion. They make timeless, durable pieces using ethical production practices. What I love about them is their transparency. They’ll tell you exactly where the fabric comes from, who made it, and why it costs what it costs. They’ve got this jacket called the “Coastal Anorak” that’s water-resistant, windproof, and somehow stylish enough to wear in the city. It’s practical, it’s intentional, and it’s the kind of business that makes you rethink how you shop.
And last but definitely not least, there’s Raincoast Harvest, based on Vancouver Island. They’re a foraging company. Yeah, like mushrooms, berries, wild greens—the kind of stuff you’d see in a high-end restaurant. But what they’ve done is build this model where they work with chefs, grocers, and even online stores to make wild food more accessible. They’re super focused on sustainability, making sure they’re not overharvesting or damaging ecosystems. And they’ve started offering workshops to teach people how to forage responsibly. It’s such a niche thing, but they’re turning it into something scalable.
So, there you have it. Seven small businesses, each doing something unique, and all of them making a bigger impact than you’d expect. What I love about stories like these is that they remind you how much innovation and change can start on a local level. It’s not always about being the biggest company or having the flashiest idea. Sometimes, it’s just about doing one thing really well—and caring about the people and the places around you.
If you’re ever in these areas, check them out. Even better, think about how businesses like these inspire change in your own community. What’s the saying? Think global, act local? Yeah, it’s a cliché, but for a reason.