77% of Canadians say buying local is how they are "standing up" for their communities "in the face of US tariffs"

EmitenTrust.com As new Meridian research reveals that 75% Canadians believe small local businesses are in for a rough two years, Meridian is backing small businesses with $250,000 in awards

TORONTO, Oct. 5, 2026 /CNW/ -- As 7-in-10 Canadians confirm that "since the most recent round of tariffs," they're buying more from local businesses, Meridian Credit Union is backing small business owners with $250,000 in new awards. Awards will go to 20 businesses making a meaningful impact in their communities across Ontario, including Indigenous-owned businesses.

Meridian's newly-released 2026 Small Business Big Impact survey* found that 77% of Canadians view buying from small business is their way of "standing up for my community in the face of US tariffs," with 7-in-10 reporting that "supporting small businesses is a more frequent conversation" with their friends and family.

According to the survey, 84% of Canadians -- and 91% of business owners -- agree buying from small business "delivers big impact" for their communities and 87% agree supporting small business is an investment in Canada's economy and future.

Nominations open for Meridian 2026 Small Business Big Impact Awards

"Meridian believes that together we are stronger, and we're proud to help thousands of small businesses grow, thrive and help our communities prosper," says Paul Casey, Meridian's Director of Small Business.

Casey encourages Ontario-based entrepreneurs to nominate their businesses for $250,000 in awards being granted through the Meridian 2026 Small Business Big Impact Awards, which recognizes innovation, environmental stewardship, inclusivity and community impact.

In addition to supporting their local economy, 85% of those surveyed agree that it makes them "feel good to buy from local small businesses" -- and 85% hope the current "buy Canadian" groundswell is here to stay.

Survey says: next two years likely to be challenging for small businesses

Despite the positivity, those surveyed showed they aren't wearing rose-coloured glasses, with 72% agreeing that it's harder for small businesses to grow compared to 10 years ago.

Of the 1-in-3 surveyed who've considered becoming an entrepreneur, 56% said the current economy has caused them to put their dreams of starting a business on hold.

While three-quarters (75%) of those surveyed expect the next two years to be "a rough ride" for local small businesses, 58% of Canadians surveyed are optimistic that over the next few years, local small businesses "will ultimately emerge stronger than ever," a belief Casey says Meridian shares.

"Despite the ever-evolving challenges, every day we see Meridian small business Members demonstrating a tremendous amount of creativity and resilience, and Meridian is here to support them as they build and focus on the future," Casey says.

Nominations for the Meridian 2026 Small Business Big Impact Awards are being accepted until November 30, 2026. Learn more here.

About Meridian Credit Union

Meridian is Ontario's largest credit union, and one of the largest in Canada. Guided by our purpose, "helping you achieve your best life," Meridian delivers personal, and wealth business solutions to over 390,000 Members. Our bold Meridian for Good strategy is aimed at helping people get access to the money and advice they need; plan for a better future that is clean, resilient, and diverse; and be financially confident. Meridian has one operating subsidiary: Meridian OneCap Credit Corp ("MOCC"). For more information, please visit: meridiancu.ca 

We acknowledge that our operations are located on Treaty 13 lands, the territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat Peoples. We also recognize the ancestral and unceded territories of all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Turtle Island. With gratitude for their enduring care for the lands and waters, we remain committed to learning, listening, and building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities as we work toward a better future.

*Meridian's Small Business Big Impact survey was fielded by leading research firm Leger between September 18

SOURCE Meridian Credit Union