51 Small Businesses In BC That We Can’t Live Without

Small Business BC exists to elevate every BC business. Even when we’re off the clock, the SBBC team loves to support local communities by shopping in our neighbourhoods and around the province.

We’ve rounded up a few small businesses that are close to our hearts to share with you. On this list, you’ll find our favourite local bakeries within walking distance of the SBBC offices in Vancouver. You’ll find restaurants that we share with our families, places where we like to spoil our pets, and stores where it’s just too easy to fill up our carts.

In no particular order, here are a few small businesses that the SBBC team absolutely loves:

1. Farmer’s Apprentice

This hidden gem restaurant in Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood is a favourite for its delicious farm-to-table cuisine and inspiring wine selection.

  • Website
  • Address: 1535 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver

2. Hidden Village Surf Craft & Design

 

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Crafting custom-made surfboards on the West Coast, Hidden Village Surf Craft & Design is a favourite for its unique offerings and commitment to quality.

  • Website
  • Address: 5307 Sparton Road, Victoria

3. World of Kidtropolis

Kidtropolis is an 18,000-square-foot indoor playground that little ones will love. This is a favourite spot for brightening up rainy days.

  • Website
  • Address: 110-5940 No 2 Road, Richmond

4. Kat Cadegan Jewellery

 

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Featured in SBBC’s 2023 Kootenays gift guide, Kat Cadegan is renowned for her handcrafted, sustainable jewellery that takes inspiration from nature.

  • Website
  • Address: 211 MacKenzie Avenue, Revelstoke

5. PoCo Soap Co

 

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PoCo Soap makes natural, gender-neutral bars of soap bath, body, and dish soap featuring fun fragrances like “Vanilla Latte” and “Shower Beer.”

  • Website
  • Address: 1524 Prairie Avenue, Port Coquitlam

6. Aroma Indian Restaurant

A dish filled with Indian curry on a table surrounded by hot peppers.

A favourite spot for Indian food in Port Moody, you’ll find this irresistible and award-winning restaurant. You will want to fill up on dishes like Goat Vindaloo, Lamb Korma, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Malai Kofta.

  • Website
  • Address: 50 Queens Street, Port Moody

7. Ali Munn Jewellery

 

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Based in Vancouver, Ali Munn crafts unique and alternative modern pieces like her signature signet rings inspired by the sentimental nature of jewellery.

8. Sunshine Coast Shuttle Services

If you need to get around Powell River, you need to call Sunshine Coast Shuttles for your transportation needs, especially if you’re visiting local remote trails and exploring scenic destinations.

9. Sey Hey Café & Deli

 

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This cool sandwich shop in Vancouver’s Chinatown neighbourhood is slinging subs that are stuffed full of goodness.

  • Website
  • Address: 156 East Pender Street, Vancouver

10. Awesome Nails

A photo of a nail client's finished nails.

These salons in Delta are a well-loved staple for those of us who love a fresh manicure. They’re especially good at nail art and bringing your vision to life.

  • Website
  • Addresses:
    • 11162 84 Avenue Delta
    • 8047 120 St #180, Delta

11. Thai Away

When we get that craving for pad Thai, these Vancouver restaurants always hit the spot. They’ve been a staple in the city for years and have reliably delicious eats.

  • Website
  • Addresses:
    • 1081 Granville Street, Vancouver
    • 2404 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
    • 555 West 12th Avenue #28, Vancouver
    • 3315 Cambie Street, Vancouver

12. Delany’s Coffee

 

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Need a cozy neighbourhood cafe where you can catch up with a friend or a good book? Delany’s is one of our go-to spots.

  • Website
  • Addresses:
    • 1105 Denman Street, Vancouver
    • 3099 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver
    • 2424 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
    • 1277 Lynn Valley Road #169, North Vancouver

13. 93 Coffee

 

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Tucked into the Denman Mall in Vancouver’s West End neighbourhood, this Japanese-style cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tuck into Japanese dishes like omurice, curry, donburi, and more.

  • Website
  • Address: At Denman Mall, 1789 Comox Street, Vancouver

14. The Workshop Vegetarian Café

Plant-based eaters will adore The Workshop in North Vancouver for their frozen ramen noodles, broths, bao buns, and mochi cake mixes.

  • Website
  • Address: 296 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver

15. My Home Cuisine

My Home Cuisine at UBC Campus.
Photo from Campus Nutrition

This affordable hidden gem at the UBC Vancouver campus has been filling hungry student bellies for years. If you like Chinese food and find yourself peckish on campus, you must try this spot.

  • Address: 5728 University Boulevard B9, Vancouver

16. Elephant Garden Creamery

A favourite among SBBC staff with a sweet tooth, this ice cream shop in Vancouver’s Commercial Drive neighbourhood scoops up Asian-inspired flavours like Vietnamese Coffee, Hong Kong-style milk Tea, Matcha Honeycomb Nugget, and many more.

  • Website
  • Address: 2080 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

17. Viva Cafe & Bakery

 

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This neighbourhood cafe is a favourite of ours in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood. It’s the perfect place to grab a croissant and coffee before you go for a walk on the nearby beach.

  • Website
  • Address: 1555 Yew Street, Vancouver

18. IndiArts Collective

This local BC business is on a mission to empower South American artists in disadvantaged areas. They sell unique accessories, housewares, jewellery and more.

19. Mi Casa Mexicana

Tucked onto the second floor, this authentic Mexican restaurant cooking up family recipes is a favourite of SBBC staff for its affordable specials like Quesidilla Wednesdays and Taco Thursdays.

  • Website
  • Address: 2015 Burrard Street – Second Floor, Vancouver

20. Standout Boutique

When we need to treat ourselves or a loved one to something sparkly, we’ll check out what’s new from Standout Boutique.

  • Website
  • Address: 918 Cooperage Way, Vancouver

21. Boteco Brasil Restaurant

One of the best spots for Brazilian food in Vancouver, Boteco Brasil’s menu includes pão de queijo – Brazilian cheese bread that goes well with a juicy steak.

  • Website
  • Address: 2545 Nanaimo Street, Vancouver

22. The Soap Dispensary and Kitchen Staples

Located in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, this zero-waste store is the perfect place to refill your laundry soap, buy a new french press, and sample local food – just remember to bring your own containers. It’s good for the planet.

  • Website
  • Address: 3718 Main Street, Vancouver

23. X-Site Grill & Bistro

Photo via Burnaby Heights

This staple in Burnaby is our go-to spot when we’re extra hungry. Split an order of pasta and chicken souvlaki with a friend, and you’ll probably still take home leftovers.

  • Website
  • Address: 4625 Hastings Street, Burnaby

24. Discover Dogs

 

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If your dog goes through toys faster than toilet paper, then you’ll want to bookmark Discover Dogs. It’s one of our favourite pet stores because it has a ton of variety, and they’ve built a great community.

  • Website
  • Address: 701 Kingsway, Vancouver

25. Into the Raw

For when only the rawest of pet foods will do, we trust this North Vancouver spot to hook up our pets with the good stuff.

  • Website
  • Address: 150 E 2nd Street, North Vancouver

26. Big Dog Little Dog Bakery

Of course, when they’re not eating healthy raw food, we love to spoil our pets. This dog bakery is a must-visit, especially for a dog’s birthday or close to the holidays, to get a nice little reward for our best friends.

  • Website
  • Address: 4631 Hastings Street, Burnaby

27. Happy Cat Feline Essentials

And we love cats as much, if not more, than dogs here at SBBC. This company caters perfectly to the feline in your family. We love their pink branding, and it’s so helpful that they offer delivery for when life gets busy, although it’s super fun to shop in-store. they offer delivery

  • Website
  • Address: 4171 Fraser Street, Vancouver

28. Modern Perogie

 

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This Vancouver spot specializes in boldly flavoured perogies. Our freezers are often stocked with a bag or two for those nights when we don’t feel like cooking but still want a hot, simple, delicious meal.

  • Website
  • Address: 820 Pandora Street, Vancouver

29. Naturally Urban Pet Store

The “pet store to your door,” pet parents at SBBC favour this spot because it’s so easy to shop, get delivery, and even do returns so it’s easy to get Fido fed.

  • Website
  • Address: 229 Keefer Street, Vancouver

30. Sabai Thai Restaurant

A dish featuring thai cuisine.

This highly-rated Thai restaurant in Surrey is a favourite because it’s friendly to plant-based eaters without sacrificing authenticity.

  • Website
  • Address: 10391 150 Street, Surrey

31. Camp Beer Co

 

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If you love craft beer, then put a visit to this craft brewery on your to-do list. They truly go above and beyond to make sure everyone has a great experience at their spot in Langley.

  • Website
  • Address: 110-19664 64 Avenue, Langley

32. Holm Coffee Company

A Revelstoke cafe that we can’t forget is Holm Coffee Company. One really does feel like they’re at home here, and their freshly roasted beans make a mean brew.

  • Website
  • Address: 722 Big Eddy Road Unit 101, Revelstoke

33. Le Marché St. George

Hidden in a residential part of Mount Pleasant, this photogenic cafe sells incredible local products. Arrive early if you want a seat to enjoy your crepe and coffee.

  • Website
  • Address: 4393 St George Street, Vancouver

34. Grounds for Coffee

 

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Cinnamon buns. We shouldn’t need to go into more detail than that, but Grounds For Coffee is a Vancouver institution. They’ve been baking up ooey, gooey, delicious cinnamon buns generously topped with cream cheese frosting for years, and we have many good memories of sharing these treats with our friends and family.

  • Website
  • Addresses:
    • 2565 Alma Street, Vancouver
    • 2088 Commercial Drive, Vancouver

35. Off The Eaten Track Food Tours Victoria

Next time you’re visiting Victoria, consider playing tourist and taking a little food tour. We love how this small business shares its passion for good food with its clients and the community.

  • Website
  • Address: 470 Belleville Street – Level 2, Victoria

36. Treeline Collective

We love this sustainable outdoor brand because it really captures the West Coast lifestyle with its offerings of blankets, accessories, jewellery, and more.

  • Website
  • Address: 38018 Cleveland Avenue, Squamish

37. Little Bookshop

This Squamish bookstore has a brick-and-mortar location plus a roving trailer they’ll set up at community events and markets. Great for younger readers, you’ll find something special for your next read each time you visit.

  • Website
  • Address: 38041 2 Avenue, Squamish

38. Gabi & Jules Handmade Pies and Baked Goodness

 

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This iconic spot is slicing up the finest pies in Metro Vancouver. SBBC loves to support this local small business because we applaud their inclusive hiring practices, and we also just love pie.

  • Website
  • Address: 2302B Clarke Street, Port Moody

39. Plaisir Sucré

This humble and authentic bakery is a staple on Arbutus Street in Vancouver. You will smell the fresh croissants before you even enter. Pick up a quiche to split with your family for weekend brunch, and you will not be disappointed.

  • Website
  • Address: 2668 Arbutus Street, Vancouver

40. Good Boy Collective

 

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When it’s time to spoil our pet dogs, we’re bringing them in here to shop at Good Boy Collective. From modern furnishing that actually looks great in an apartment to stylish accessories and funny toys, it’s fun to browse here and shop for all the dogs in your life.

  • Website
  • Address: 3633 Main Street, Vancouver

41. Oh My Land Club

 

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This Tri-Cities spot is a child enrichment activity centre that delights kids, from babies to teens. With twelve different play zones and eight party rooms, it’s hard to feel bored here.

  • Website
  • Address: 2748 Lougheed Highway – Unit 101B, Port Coquitlam

42. 49th Parallel Café & Lucky’s Doughnuts

A classic go-to spot for doughnuts and cappuccinos, these neighbourhood cafes always capture our attention with their fluffy, flavourful, and fresh offerings.

  • Website
  • Addresses:
    • 689 Thurlow Street, Vancouver
    • 2902 Main Street, Vancouver
    • 2198 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver
    • 93 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver

43. Persia Foods

 

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Persia Foods is a great place to fill up on groceries because they are extremely affordable and have a fun variety of options, especially Iranian and Middle Eastern products.

  • Website
  • Addresses:
    • 2827 West Broadway, Vancouver
    • 1730 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
    • 6437 Main Street, Vancouver
    • 6791 Kingsway, Burnaby
    • 118 15th Street West, North Vancouver
    • 2011 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
    • 1469 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

44. The Mexican

Recommendation by an SBBC staff member from Mexico, this popular restaurant in Downtown Vancouver is guaranteed to satisfy.

  • Website
  • Address: 1049 Granville Street, Vancouver

45. Langley Farm Market

Langley farm produce.

We love to fill up on fresh local produce at this chain of markets in the Lower Mainland. Grab a basket and grab anything that’s in season because these fruits, veggies, and herbs are sure to brighten up your next meal.

  • Website
  • Address:
    • 12168 Austin Avenue, Coquitlam
    • 11935 207 Street, Maple Ridge
    • 22621 Lougheed Highway #1, Maple Ridge
    • Unit 640, Lansdowne Mall, 5300 No 3 Road, Richmond
    • 12438 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows
    • 7815 Kingsway, Burnaby

46. Harmony Donut Shop

For perfect and affordable doughnuts in North Vancouver, you have to seek out this spot. It can be a little tricky to find, so follow these instructions on the Lonsdale Avenue website.

  • Website
  • Address: 2945 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver

47. Doughnut Love

 

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The SBBC team simply loves doughnuts, and Doughnut Love is one of the best spots to order gourmet handmade doughnuts by the dozen. They also have vegan options for plant-based folks with a sweet tooth!

  • Website
  • Address: 1655 Como Lake Avenue #107, Coquitlam

48. San Remo Restaurant

A hidden gem in Port Coquitlam, this pizza spot has been serving the neighbourhood for years. People keep coming back for the incredibly thick slices of homemade pizza and the lasagna.

  • Website
  • Address: 3008 Flint Street, Port Coquitlam

49. The Bombay Sweets

Curry dishes

When we’re craving Indian food in Port Coquitlam, we’re partial to this spot. It’s menu is chocked full of your typical favourites plus a few unexpectedly delicious dishes.

  • Website
  • Address: 2803 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam

50. Welk’s General Store

A staple of Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant community, this beloved general store sells housewares, plants, and pantry staples so you can restock on the necessities in style.

  • Website
  • Address: 3511 Main Street, Vancouver

51. Kim’s Korean Waffles & Pancakes – FLTF International

Featuring bungeoppang – fish-shaped waffles filled with cream and red bean paste, and hotteok – glutinous rice flour pancakes,  this Korean Waffle & Pancake House is a favourite to visit on weekend mornings.

  • Website
  • Address: 4501 North Road, Burnaby

Small Business BC is Here to Help

SBBC is a non-profit resource centre for BC-based small businesses. Whatever your idea of success is, we’re here to provide holistic support and resources at every step of the journey. Check out our range of business webinars, on-demand E-Learning Education, our Talk to an Expert Advisories, or browse our business articles.

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