With all the contributions that small businesses make to local economies and community groups, it's about time that they are being recognized for what they bring to small-town life.

That's why the Moose Jaw Chamber of Commerce and City Hall are teaming up to declare this week as "Small Business Week."

Chamber of Commerce CEO Rob Clarke, explains how essential small businesses are. 

"I think we can't overlook the impact that they have on our economy. They're diverse, they're innovative. They provide great job opportunities. You know, 26% of all payroll earnings are from small businesses in Saskatchewan. That's a huge, huge number and all that money is going back into the local community." 

Mayor Tolmie and representatives from the Chamber will be signing an official proclamation this morning before taking to the streets to visit some of the city's small businesses. Clarke says that the Chamber will continue speaking with local business owners all week long as well.

"All week the Chamber will be going to see small businesses. We want to start hammering away at the idea of "Love What's Local." We're also doing a consumer linkage survey. We want to get a better idea of where consumers are spending their money so we can help local businesses better."

Mark Hanson is the owner of Ultimate Auto Detailing and a member of the Moose Jaw Chamber. He says the survey will help give local businesses the tools they need to succeed.

"We're going to take all that information from our customers about how they shop, when they shop and how they spend their money. We can run that data through some algorithms and come up with better ways to operate your business. You can use the data to drive big decisions within your company when you should be open and how you should be open. It will make it easier to know how your customers reach you."

It's all a part of the Chamber's new campaign: "Shop the Jaw."