Facebook Apps Helping Small Businesses Grow in Canada Shows Research

New research carried out by Ispsos in partnership with Facebook Canada titled “Empowered In The Digital Age: Leveling the Playing Field For Canadian Small Business” has revealed how Facebook’s family of apps is providing a runway for growth for small-business entrepreneurs (SMEs) in Canada.

The research found that 77% of Canadian small businesses use Messenger to communicate directly with their customers, 71% use Instagram for marketing and promotion, and 69% use Facebook to connect with current and existing customers.

“For the first time in history, technology is enabling small businesses to meaningfully compete with larger brands on a more level playing field,” said Garrick Tiplady, General Manager for Facebook Canada.



Below are the key findings from the research:

• Getting started: A third of Facebook app users (33%) – specifically Messenger, Instagram and Facebook – say these tools helped them start their companies. This figure is even greater for businesses owned by young Canadians (57%), women (40%) and new Canadians (37%);
• Keeping business strong: Nearly half (46%) say their business is stronger today because of Facebook’s family of apps; this is true for two-thirds of Young-Canadian businesses (66%), Women-owned businesses (54%) and New Canadian-owned businesses (45%);
• Realizing global potential through export: Exporters say Facebook tools have led to increased net sales in the last 12 months. More than four-in-10 say Facebook has (46%), and more than one-third of exporters say using Instagram (36%) and using Facebook (35%) has led to increased sales.

You can view the full research report at this link.