Buy Canadian Business Workbook & Checklist

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One of the biggest changes in the Canadian business landscape in 2025 has been the push to buy Canadian. This is a chance not just for businesses to sell themselves to Canadians but also presents the opportunity for businesses to support other Canadian businesses, providing an opportunity for everyone to win.

BUY CANADIAN BUSINESS WORKBOOK & CHECKLIST

Why Canadian Businesses Should Support Canadian Businesses

In today's global marketplace, it's easy to overlook the tremendous impact of keeping business within our borders. When Canadian businesses support other Canadian enterprises, we create a powerful economic ecosystem that benefits everyone.

Economic Impact Statistics

  • For every $100 spent at a Canadian business, $68 stays in the local economy

  • Canadian SMBs employ 88.5% of the private sector workforce

  • B2B transactions between Canadian companies generate an estimated $350 billion annually

  • Supply chain disruptions affected 85% of Canadian businesses in recent years

ASSESSMENT: How Canadian Is Your Business Supply Chain?

Rate your current situation in each category: 1 = Primarily international suppliers 5 = Primarily Canadian suppliers

Category

1

2

3

4

5

Raw materials

Manufacturing partners

Professional services

Software solutions

Marketing services

Logistics & distribution

Office supplies & equipment

TOTAL SCORE: _____ / 35

Score Interpretation:

  • 28-35: Canadian Champion

  • 20-27: Strong Canadian Support

  • 12-19: Room for Improvement

  • Under 12: Significant Opportunity

CHECKLIST: Steps to Canadianize Your Supply Chain

Research Phase

  • [ ] Identify which products/services you currently source internationally

  • [ ] Create criteria for evaluating Canadian alternatives

  • [ ] Research Canadian suppliers through directories (Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, Trade Associations)

  • [ ] Join Canadian business networking groups

Implementation Phase

  • [ ] Contact potential Canadian suppliers

  • [ ] Request quotes and samples

  • [ ] Evaluate based on quality, price, reliability and Canadian content

  • [ ] Start with pilot projects before full commitment

  • [ ] Negotiate favourable terms that support long-term relationships

Promotion Phase

  • [ ] Update your marketing materials to highlight Canadian partnerships

  • [ ] Share your commitment to Canadian sourcing on your website

  • [ ] Showcase Canadian supplier relationships in your social media

  • [ ] Apply for "Made in Canada" or similar certifications when applicable

RESOURCES: Finding Canadian Business Partners

National Resources

  • Innovation Canada Business Benefits Finder: innovation.ised-isde.canada.ca

  • Invest in Canada Supply Chain Directory: investcanada.ca

  • Business Development Bank of Canada: bdc.ca

  • Trade Commissioner Service: tradecommissioner.gc.ca

Regional Resources

  • Provincial Chambers of Commerce

  • Regional economic development agencies

  • Industry-specific trade associations

Benefits of Partnering with Canadian Businesses

Resilience & Reliability

  • Reduced supply chain vulnerability

  • Lower transportation costs and carbon footprint

  • Easier communication in same/similar time zones

  • Shared understanding of Canadian business culture and regulations

Financial Advantages

  • Stable currency transactions

  • Potential tax benefits

  • Reduced customs complications

  • Government procurement advantages for Canadian content

Relationship Benefits

  • Easier site visits and in-person meetings

  • Stronger local networks and referrals

  • Shared commitment to Canadian prosperity

  • Community goodwill and enhanced brand reputation

How Intero Solutions Can Help

As a proudly Canadian Operations as a Service provider, Intero Solutions specializes in:

  • Evaluating your current supplier relationships

  • Identifying Canadian alternatives

  • Managing the transition to Canadian suppliers

  • Optimizing your operations for Canadian partnerships

  • Ensuring compliance with Canadian content requirements

  • Creating marketing strategies that highlight your Canadian commitment

ACTION PLAN: Your Next Steps

  1. Complete the assessment above

  2. Identify your three lowest-scoring categories

  3. Choose one category to address first

  4. Contact Intero Solutions for a free consultation on how to optimize your Canadian business partnerships

Don't wait - build a stronger, more resilient, and proudly Canadian business today!

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