Small Businesses Are Struggling—And Our Community Is Paying the Price

North Vancouver Florist Speaks Out: Small Businesses at Breaking Point
Guest: Nazanin Ghazinejad, Owner of Tooka Florist
Volunteer Host: Samira Gholami
Producer & Journalist: Sherry Soltani | Skyrise Media Society

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, but many are now on the brink of collapse due to rising costs, unchecked corporate expansion, and policies that favour large companies over local entrepreneurs. When family-owned shops disappear, the loss is greater than just bricks and mortar—we lose jobs, community connections, and the unique character of our neighborhoods.

In a recent interview in North Vancouver, volunteer host and mental health advocate Samira Gholami sat down with Nazanin Ghazinejad, longtime owner of Tooka Florist, to explore the growing crisis facing small business owners and the ripple effects on the local economy.

Nazanin, who operated her florist shop for more than 11 years, shared how she was forced to relocate after developers purchased her building to make way for high-rise developments. “Some businesses have been around for 30 years, but they can’t survive these changes,” she said. “With rent skyrocketing and big-box stores taking over, many owners simply can’t keep up.”

Samira echoed the concern, noting that when a local shop closes, the community loses more than a business—it loses a source of connection, identity, and pride.

The conversation underscored a troubling trend: as commercial rents climb—some reaching $10,000 per month—small businesses are being priced out, leaving empty storefronts and economic voids in formerly vibrant neighbourhoods. “There are no policies in place to help small businesses compete with large chains,” Nazanin added.

Both Samira and Nazanin stressed the urgent need for stronger protections for small businesses, including fairer commercial leasing practices, increased access to municipal and provincial supports, and policies that level the playing field with corporate giants.

Without immediate intervention, they warn, communities like North Vancouver risk losing not just local shops, but the very culture and resilience that define them. “It’s time to rethink how we support small businesses,” Samira concluded. “Because when they fail, we all feel the impact.”