Mainstreets:
Where Shopping Local Began.
Mainstreets have long been the heart of local communities — where neighbours connect, businesses thrive, and the character of a city comes to life. Shopping local isn’t just a campaign — it’s a commitment to keeping our neighbourhoods vibrant, resilient, and uniquely Ottawa. Whether you’re picking up a gift, grabbing coffee, or discovering your next favourite shop, supporting small business strengthens us all.
A Provincial Push to Shop Local
OCOBIA is proud to support the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA)’s newly launched Shop Main Street Canada campaign. This province-wide initiative celebrates the unique role of main street businesses in shaping local economies and invites Ontarians to choose small and shop local.
The campaign provides tools and creative assets to help BIAs and businesses promote the value of supporting their mainstreets. Designed for flexibility and accessibility, the toolkit includes downloadable social graphics, print-ready materials, campaign messaging, and tips for local implementation.
Campaign Tools for Your Mainstreet
OCOBIA will soon offer a collection of downloadable promotional kits designed to help BIAs and their member businesses run impactful “shop local” campaigns with ease.
These ready-to-use resources include social media graphics, poster templates, email copy, sample campaign calendars, and tips for member engagement — everything you need to promote your mainstreet during key moments throughout the year.
Each package is built to save time, reduce cost, and deliver a consistent message that celebrates the value of local shopping across Ottawa’s commercial districts. Whether you’re highlighting Valentine’s Day, Small Business Month, or a summer shopping series, these assets help you mobilize your membership and maximize your message.
Note: These resources will be available to OCOBIA members.
Passport to mainstreet
CAMPAIGN # 1
A shop-local adventure! Shoppers collect stamps from participating businesses with each purchase, unlocking prize entries or perks when their passport fills up.
What's Inside
• Printable passport template (bilingual)
• Customizable window decals
• Social media graphics + suggested captions
• Prize draw tracking sheet
Local Love Week
CAMPAIGN # 2
Themed week of daily prompts (like Takeout Tuesday and Try-It Thursday) that get the community spending, celebrating, and supporting local.
What's Inside
• Pre-made daily theme graphics
• Suggested social captions
• Poster/flyer templates
• Media release template
Meet Me on Mainstreet
CAMPAIGN # 3
Humanize the mainstreet with stories from owners, staff, and loyal customers. Spotlight a face, tell a story, and build stronger neighbourhood ties.
What's Inside
• Storytelling guide
• “Meet the Owner” social templates
• Reels/TikTok prompt ideas
• Hashtag toolkit (#MeetMeOnMainstreet)
My Mainstreet Picks
CAMPAIGN # 4
Invite local influencers, neighbours, or business owners to share their favourite local spots — and celebrate what makes your mainstreet unique.
What's Inside
• Canva templates for “My Picks”
• Outreach email & interview templates
• Sample question sets
Mainstreet Moments
CAMPAIGN # 5
Celebrate the everyday magic of mainstreet! With behind-the-scenes glimpses of business life, members highlight what makes their mainstreet special.
What's Inside
• “Share Your Moment” campaign graphics
• Pre-built post templates and caption prompts
• Mini content calendar with photo ideas
• Suggested hashtags for collective reach
Seasons of Mainstreet
CAMPAIGN # 6
A full suite of year-round creative for key calendar moments: Valentine’s, Canada Day, Back to School, Small Business Saturday, Holiday Shopping and more.
What's Inside
• Ready-to-print signage and poster templates
• Matching social media graphics
• Pre-written caption banks for each season
• Activation suggestions and promotional hooks