Harpinder Brar Advocates for Stronger Support of Local Small Businesses
Harpinder Brar of Saskatchewan and Manitoba is calling for greater awareness of the discipline, responsibility, and community impact behind locally owned businesses.
WINNIPEG, MB / ACCESS Newswire / March 13, 2026 /Harpinder Brar, a multi-business owner operating a gas station and grocery store across Saskatchewan and Manitoba, is speaking out about the importance of supporting locally owned businesses and recognizing the work behind them.
Brar, who grew up in Moga, Punjab, and built her career step by step, says small businesses are often misunderstood.
"People see the front counter, " Brar says. "They don 't always see the planning behind it. "
Across Canada, small and medium-sized businesses represent 98 percent of all employer businesses, according to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. They employ millions of Canadians and form the backbone of local economies, particularly in rural and suburban communities.
In fuel retail and grocery operations, margins can be tight. Operating costs continue to rise due to supply chain pressures, energy costs, and staffing challenges. According to Statistics Canada, operating expenses for retail businesses have increased steadily in recent years, placing added pressure on independent operators.
Brar believes public awareness matters.
"You cannot ignore your business and expect it to run well, " she says. "You have to be present. You have to take responsibility every day. "
The Reality Behind Retail and Fuel Operations
Owning and operating a gas station and grocery store is not simply about transactions. It involves staffing, inventory control, supplier coordination, compliance requirements, and customer service standards.
"If customers trust you once, they come back, " Brar says. "If they don 't, they won 't. "
Retail fuel outlets and grocery stores serve as essential services in many communities. They provide access to food, fuel, and daily necessities. In smaller regions, they can also serve as informal gathering points that connect neighbors and families.
Brar emphasizes that consistency is the core of long-term sustainability.
"You cannot expect quick results, " she says. "Business is about showing up every day. "
Industry data supports that view. Studies from the Business Development Bank of Canada show that long-term survival rates for small businesses are closely tied to operational discipline and customer retention. Businesses that maintain consistent service standards are more likely to remain open beyond the five-year mark.
Leadership Through Responsibility
Brar does not frame her journey around titles or recognition. Instead, she focuses on accountability.
"I don 't think about being a female business owner every day, " she says. "I think about being a good business owner. "
Her approach is structured and practical. Clean stores. Organized shelves. Reliable hours. Clear expectations for staff.
"You have to speak clearly. You have to make decisions, " she says. "Even when they are hard. "
Small businesses often operate with lean teams. According to Canadian Federation of Independent Business surveys, many owners work more than 50 hours per week managing daily operations. Brar says that reality is familiar.
"There will be stressful days, " she says. "You still have to open the doors. "
Why Community Support Matters
Brar is encouraging people to think more intentionally about where they spend their money and how they interact with local businesses.
"Local businesses are part of the community, " she says. "We are not separate from it. "
Research consistently shows that money spent at local businesses tends to circulate within the local economy at a higher rate than spending at large national chains. This circulation supports local jobs, suppliers, and services.
Brar says awareness is the first step.
"I believe in doing things properly, even if no one is watching, " she says. "That is how you build trust. "
A Call to Individual Action
Brar is not asking for special treatment. She is asking for mindfulness.
She encourages individuals to:
Support local businesses when possible
Practice patience and respect with frontline workers
Recognize the work behind essential services
Value consistency and reliability in their communities
"You don 't have to do something big, " she says. "Just understand that every small choice adds up. "
As economic conditions continue to evolve, Brar believes community awareness can make a meaningful difference.
"It 's about responsibility, " she says. "If you take that seriously, the rest follows. "
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Harpinder Brar
Harpinder Brar is a business owner operating a gas station, grocery store, and additional ventures across Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Originally from Moga, Punjab, she built her career through steady discipline and operational leadership. She is a mother of three and remains deeply family oriented while managing her businesses with a focus on responsibility, consistency, and community presence.
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SOURCE:Harpinder Brar
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