Giving small businesses the spotlight they deserve this holiday season

Wrap the Good Gifting Calendar debuts in Toronto 

On December 1, BMO’s Wrap the Good campaign launched its interactive Gifting Calendar at BMO’s Eaton Centre branch, facing Sankofa Square – one of Canada’s busiest intersections. This first-of-its-kind experience spotlights a new small business every day in December, showcasing their unique products and stories.  

The Gifting Calendar launches at one of the most critical times of the year, as cost-of-living concerns shape holiday spending. According to the BMO Real Financial Progress Index, only 16% of Canadians and Americans plan to shop at small or local businesses this year — yet 76% of small businesses rely on holiday sales to stay open. That’s why this interactive experience is so important – it gives small businesses access to premium advertising real estate they would typically be unable to afford, helping them reach new customers when it matters most. 

Take a sneak peek at what Day 25 of the Gifting Calendar looks like:  

BMO Wraps the Good x ILEO (United Way’s Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity) 

Helping our clients and communities thrive is at the heart of BMO’s Purpose, To Boldly Grow the Good, in business and life—and this holiday season, we’re proud to showcase how that commitment is coming to life for one of our business banking clients, Laboterra Cosmetics.

Through our partnership with United Way on the Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity (ILEO) project, BMO is helping remove barriers for local entrepreneurs and create pathways for success. One inspiring example is Laboterra Cosmetics, a Toronto-based self-care brand supported by ILEO’s Storefront Starter program.  

Laboterra is featured in BMO’s Wrap the Good campaign and was recently highlighted in advertising in Sankofa Square, giving this local business valuable exposure during the busiest shopping season of the year.