The most visible challenge that many local Markham businesses faced is that COVID-19, along with the lockdowns, resulted in a drastic decline in sales. Some businesses were fortunate enough to offer curbside pickup, but many others had no other choice than to completely close their doors to members of the public. Unfortunately, many of these businesses also lacked an online presence of any kind, increasing the likelihood that the business would eventually go under.

Markham Public Library had to step up to assist these important local businesses, and did so through the following means:
- Provided online exposure to many businesses through social media and our main website
- Purchased gift cards to provide financial support and gave these out via weekly giveaways
- Connected with business owners to discover other ways to assist them
- Partnered with Markham Small Business Centre to offer virtual programs and timely information to further assist businesses

This initiative was a massive success with the community. Below are some of the highlights from this initiative:
- Social media engagement drastically increased during the #ShopLocal campaign, which reflected high levels of interest from residents
- Many businesses connected with us because they wanted to be featured
- Markham businesses partnered with us and began providing gifts of their own to give back to the community and for the increased exposure
- Our campaign resulted in many new partnerships with businesses