Building for the Long Term
Part 3: Observations from Europe In my first article, I reflected on Europe’s healthier rhythm of life compared to North America, where hustle culture often […]
Insights
In my previous article, I reflected on Europe’s different rhythm of life compared to North America, where work is more integrated into life rather than standing in opposition to it. That difference alone is striking, but another observation stood out during my travels that deserves attention on its own: the role of small businesses as cultural and economic anchors.
Walking through Rome, Venice, Lucerne, Paris, and London, I was struck by how many streets were lined with small scale cafés, boutiques, and artisan shops and how very few big box stores there were. These local businesses didn’t just sell goods or services, they embodied the character of their neighborhoods. They represented identity, pride, and in many cases, history.
In Lucerne, I encountered a small watchmaker whose family had been in the same location for generations. His shop was no bigger than a single office room, yet his clientele stretched across borders because of the quality of his craft. In Paris, I stumbled upon bakeries where recipes had been passed down for decades, with local customers fiercely loyal to “their” baker. In Venice, artisans selling glasswork were not simply vendors, they were guardians of a centuries-old tradition.
These businesses weren’t trying to scale endlessly or chase growth at all costs. They thrived by focusing on quality, loyalty, and heritage. And they reminded me that small business is not only about economics, it is about community. A café, a shop, or a bakery can be a cornerstone of daily life in ways that an anonymous multinational chain cannot replicate.
The contrast with North America is stark. Here, power and influence have increasingly consolidated into the hands of a small number of corporations. Entire sectors are dominated by just a few firms, which dictate supply chains, wage standards, and consumer choices.
This concentration of power has consequences. It erodes the environment where small businesses once thrived. It contributes to growing inequality, as wealth and decision-making are concentrated in fewer hands. And it narrows consumer choice, leaving us with standardized experiences rather than the richness of local character.
For young people in particular, the promise of entrepreneurship, once seen as a pathway to independence and prosperity, feels increasingly out of reach. High barriers to entry, limited access to capital, and the overwhelming presence of corporate giants make it difficult for new ventures to survive, let alone flourish. What was once an achievable dream of building something meaningful has become, for many, an uphill battle against a system tilted in favor of the already powerful.
When we think about economic policy in Canada, too often the conversation centers on “competitiveness” at a global scale. But competitiveness should not only be about multinational firms or stock markets. It should also be about how well we nurture an ecosystem of diverse, resilient, and locally rooted businesses.
Small businesses are more than economic units. They are cultural anchors, job creators, and incubators of innovation. They provide spaces where identity and community thrive. And they distribute opportunity more widely, giving people across backgrounds and regions a chance to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
If Canada is serious about long-term prosperity, supporting small business is not optional. It is essential. That means policies that make capital more accessible. It means procurement systems that give small firms a fair shot. And it means recognizing that when small businesses succeed, communities succeed.
Beyond policy, there is also a cultural element to this discussion. As consumers, North Americans have been conditioned to value speed and price above all else. Fast fashion, big-box retail, and convenience culture have trained us to prize immediacy over quality, even if it comes at the cost of sustainability and local vitality.
Europe reminded me that consumers can be different. When quality, heritage, and authenticity are valued, small businesses not only survive, they thrive. It becomes a virtuous cycle: consumers demand better, businesses deliver better, and communities grow stronger as a result.
At 6P, we have had the privilege of working alongside a wide range of businesses, many of them owner-operated and deeply rooted in their communities. Even for those that are not strictly owner-run, their senior leaders often bring that same entrepreneurial spirit, pouring their hearts into every decision.
What consistently stands out is their shared ambition: to grow, to innovate, and to reach more people, but to do so without compromising the values and culture that define them. They want to scale, but they also want to stay authentic.
Our role is not just to help them market their products or services. It is to help them protect and amplify their essence; their story, their purpose, and their place in the world. We take real pride in being a partner who champions their vision, helping them achieve success without losing the soul of what makes them unique.
If Part 1 was about rethinking the culture of hustle, Part 2 is about rethinking the ecosystem of business. Together, they point toward a choice for Canada: continue down the path of consolidation and short-termism, or invest in balance and resilience.
And that brings me to my third and final observation from Europe, which I’ll explore in my next article: the mindset of long-term planning and permanence. From the way Europe approaches architecture to the way it preserves history, there are lessons for Canada about what it means to build not just for today, but for generations to come.
Question for you: What role do you think small businesses should play in shaping Canada’s future economy?
If you enjoyed this, click here to read part 3.
Part 3: Observations from Europe In my first article, I reflected on Europe’s healthier rhythm of life compared to North America, where hustle culture often […]
Part 1: Observations from Europe This summer (2025), I had the privilege of traveling across Europe, visiting Rome, Venice, Lucerne, Paris, and London. To me, […]
Trade shows are more than gatherings. They are concentrated environments of physical media — spaces where booths, conversations, objects, and hospitality become channels for credibility. […]
