SUDBURY -- Shortly after Rehan Iqbal moved to Sudbury last summer, he met a number of passionate local vendors.
Iqbal, owner of Your Independent Grocer on Regent Street, says that led to more business opportunities – for him and them.
"Having taken over the store, I saw almost a platform where we could bring all of these vendors together and everybody could help each other out," he said. "Ultimately, the goal would be to serve the customers of Sudbury under one roof."
Iqbal says he is grateful for he vendors who have reached out to sell their products. Since January, his store has been selling handmade products for 12 local makers and recently, he took part in a giveaway put together by the Sudbury Online Market group.
"We really came together because we were chatting and just kind of sharing our own struggles during this time, such as job cuts and just the stress of being at home," said Samantha MacDougall, with Anxiously Awesome.
"So we just really wanted to highlight other local business who are also struggling."
A group of 30 local businesses came together and have created a Mother's Day giveaway prize package.
They see it as a way for moms to treat themselves after the pandemic is over, and also to remind the community that small businesses are still out there.
"We also wanted to do something for our local businesses that have the storefronts, because we're all about supporting local and helping each other out," said Jill-Anne Hachey, a Sudbury Online Market organizer. "So we thought, 'hey, let's try to put this together.'"
Hachey says there are three prizes that will be given away: a mama's night out package, a take care package, and a beautiful mama's package.
"Just a little bit about self care for when COVID is over," she said.
Winners will be chosen Friday.
