By Maya Shoucair, Public Policy Partnerships Lead, TikTok Canada

Small businesses are a critical part of our communities, both on TikTok and beyond. The past two years haven't been easy - while small businesses have worked tirelessly to keep our communities fed, employed, and supported, they've been fighting to keep their own doors open. In the face of tremendous challenges, business owners have been forced to get creative and rely on resilience - often pivoting to keep their businesses afloat.

October is Small Business Month in Canada and we've been showcasing local Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs in-app via #SmallBusinessCheck, who have been sharing how they've used TikTok to grow their businesses, find new customers, and sell their products. To help these businesses further grow and recover, we are giving $250,000 in TikTok ad credits to Canadian small businesses, and hosting workshops to help them bounce back after a challenging year.

#MySmallBusiness Contest

On October 20th we're kicking things off by giving away $250,000 in TikTok ad credits through the launch of the #MySmallBusiness contest, running from October 20th to November 20. To enter, simply create a video about your business - for example, how you got started, who/what sparked the idea, where the name comes from, how you support your community, what your biggest challenge has been. Post it on TikTok using #MySmallBusiness and submit via MySmallBiz.ca for a chance to win $5,000 in TikTok ad credits.

Entrants must be +18, reside in Canada and be owners of registered small businesses. For full list of rules and regulations, and eligibility requirements please click here.

Workshops

We always say 'Make TikToks, Not Ads' and we truly believe this. TikTok is a platform like no other - it's immersive, engaging and users value authenticity above all else. We want businesses to be set up for success, so along with the Canada Chamber of Commerce, we're inviting small business owners from industries cross Canada to attend virtual workshops throughout October and November. You'll learn about creating dynamic content your audience will love, finding and engaging with your TikTok community, and how to use our measurement and creative tools to fuel your success. Visit MySmallBiz.ca to RSVP!

Workshop #1: The Business of Music on TikTok

Tuesday, Oct. 26 at 3pm EST (in partnership with CIMA)

Music is an integral part of TikTok, and much of the music industry has been been hit hard over the past two years. We'll be hosting a special workshop for all members of Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), which represents a diverse membership of small businesses including: record labels, recording studios, managers, agents, licensors, music video producers and directors, creative content owners, artist-entrepreneurs, record producers, and other professionals from across the sound recording industry. Learn how TikTok can help you promote your business and expand the audience and your artist roster while growing and reaching new global audiences. 

*Note this is for CIMA members only. Please register using the code provided to you.

Workshop #2: Grow Your Business on TikTok

Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 3pm EST and Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 3pm EST 

Learn how to harness the power of TikTok to fuel your small business! Find out why TikTok is such a great place for small businesses in these interactive, live training sessions on launching your TikTok journey. By the end of these sessions you'll be equipped with the resources to create a TikTok account, tell your story on the platform, and grow your business through industry-leading tools and tactics to help you reach new communities and grow your business.

For Oct. 27 workshop, register here

For Nov. 9 workshop, register here

TikTok Takeover with @LalaHijabs

We love a good success story, and @LalaHijabs has incredible insight into of leveraging TikTok to grow their business astronomically. Join Sana and Will Saleh on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 5pm ET LIVE as they take over @TikTokCanada to celebrate Small Business Week.