Call for Storytelling Video Submissions: NCLUDE ~ “The Art of Culture” Small Business Series
NCLUDE, in partnership with The Small Business Enterprise Centre; Community Futures South
Georgian Bay, and The County of Simcoe, invites diverse owned and innovative small
businesses and community allies to take part in The Art of Culture storytelling series —
celebrating the small businesses that bring people, culture, and creativity together across Simcoe
County.
While NCLUDE’s broader mission is to celebrate unity through arts, culture, and healthy
dialogue, this series focuses specifically on small businesses — because “The Art of Culture”
NCLUDES small business. Our local entrepreneurs reflect who we are as a community:
innovative, welcoming, and diverse.
Your story matters. Diverse-owned and innovative small businesses — whether New Canadian,
Indigenous, women-owned, 2SLGBTQIA+, person with disabilities, or however YOU identify
as diverse— reflect the cultural richness and shared values that make Simcoe County thrive. By
sharing your story, you help others see what’s possible. YOU motivate fellow entrepreneurs,
celebrate resilience, and spread positivity by showing that inclusion and kindness are good for
business — and for community life.
We’re asking for up to one and a half minute, self-filmed video submissions that tell your story authentically:
• Who you are and what your business stands for
• What inspired you to start
• How your business contributes to community, culture, or connection
Submissions should be filmed horizontally (landscape) and capture your energy, passion, and
creativity. Stories will be reviewed and could be featured on County-wide and NCLUDE
platforms to highlight the power of local voices and ideas.
This self submission process is also an opportunity to have your story selected, and filmed by our team! Based on the self submission videos, call to action guidelines, your compelling submission could be chosen to be filmed by our NCLUDE team, on location at your place of business and featured on the platform.
Please follow this wetransfer link to safely upload your video
Direct contact for submissions/questions/support: Reg Shefield ~ info@nclude.ca
Self Submission Deadline ~ November 30th
The Art ofCulture — where your story inspires others and recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit of Simcoe County.
Video Instructions:
1. Define Your Purpose
Decide the key message: Do you want to highlight your story, values, community impact, or a specific product/service?
2. Keep It Short & Focused
Aim for 1–2 minutes. Choose one main theme—don’t try to tell your whole history.
3. Write a Simple Outline
Draft a beginning (who you are), middle (what you do/why it matters), and ending (your impact or invitation to connect).
4. Use Your Own Voice
Speak naturally, yet enthusiastically, as if you were sharing your story with a customer or friend. Authenticity connects more than perfection.
5. Choose a Good Location
Film in your shop, office, or a meaningful space that reflects your brand identity. Make sure it’s tidy and visually appealing.
6. Mind the Lighting
Film facing a window with natural light, or use a simple lamp. Avoid backlighting (light behind you) which makes faces too dark.
7. Check Sound Quality
Record in a quiet space. Speak clearly and with energy. If possible, use an external microphone or earbuds with a mic.
8. Film Horizontally
Hold your phone sideways for a wider shot—unless you’re making vertical videos specifically for Instagram Reels or TikTok.
9. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Add shots of your product, customers (with permission), your team at work, or details of your space to bring your story to life.
10. End with a Call to Action
Wrap up with a smile and a simple invitation: “Visit us,” “Follow our journey,” or “Join our community.”
90-Second Script Template
Opening (0:00–0:20) – Introduce Yourself
- “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m the owner of [Business Name].”
- (Diverse owned, small businesses can be diverse in many ways. Though it is not mandatory to describe your diversity, this is an opportunity to celebrate diverse owned, small businesses) . For example, “We’re proud to be a [Black-owned / Women-owned / Indigenous-owned / Immigrant-owned / Diverse-owned] business here in [Community/City].”
- Show your face + your storefront/sign/logo.
Middle (0:20–1:00) – Share Your Story & Purpose
- “I started this business because [short origin story: passion, tradition, need you saw].”
- “What makes us unique is [your values, cultural connection, specialty, or community impact].”
- Cut to visuals: your products, people working, community moments.
Impact (1:00–1:20) – Show Connection
- “Our goal is more than just running a business—we’re here to [support our community / celebrate culture / create opportunities / share something meaningful].”
- “Every time you support us, you’re also supporting [your team, your heritage, your local community].”
Closing (1:20–1:30) – Call to Action
- “Thank you for being part of our journey.”
- “Come visit us at [location or website] and follow us on [social media handle].”
- End with a smile, wave, or quick shot of your space.
Sample Script: “Sweet Roots Bakery”
Opening (0:00–0:20)
“Hi, my name is Maria Lopez, and I’m the owner of Sweet Roots Bakery here in downtown Collingwood. We’re proud to be a Latina-owned family business serving our community with recipes that have been passed down for generations.”
(Show Maria in front of the bakery, then cut to a quick shot of the storefront sign and a tray of fresh baked goods.)
Middle (0:20–1:00)
“I started Sweet Roots because baking was always the heart of our home. My grandmother taught me how to make traditional couisine, and I wanted to share those flavours with our community.
What makes us unique is how we blend tradition with creativity—you’ll find classic recipes alongside new flavours inspired by local ingredients.”
(Show close-ups of hands decorating a cake, customers enjoying pastries, and team members working together in the kitchen.)
Impact (1:00–1:20)
“For us, it’s more than just baking. Every pastry carries a piece of our culture, and every sale helps us give back—we donate a portion of our proceeds to support local youth programs.”
(Cut to a community event photo or Maria handing over a donation check.)
Closing (1:20–1:30)
“Thank you for being part of our journey. Come visit us at Sweet Roots Bakery on Main Street or follow us on Instagram at @SweetRootsBakery. We can’t wait to share something sweet with you.”
(End with Maria smiling and waving, with a shot of the bakery behind her.)
Sample Script: “Gather & Grind Café”
Opening (0:00–0:20)
“Welcome to Gather & Grind Café, a place where good coffee meets good conversation. We opened our doors to create more than a café—we wanted to build a space where people feel at home, connected, and inspired.”
(Show the café sign, people walking in, and a wide shot of the cozy interior.)
Middle (0:20–1:00)
“Our story starts with a simple idea: culture is best experienced when people come together. That’s why we serve food and drinks that bring out stories, traditions, and creativity from our community.
From the artwork on our walls to the local ingredients in our menu, everything here celebrates connection.”
(Cut to shots of coffee being poured, customers chatting, art on display, and a barista smiling at the counter.)
Impact (1:00–1:20)
“What drives us is the belief that a business can be more than just a business. It can be a gathering place where culture thrives, where people learn from one another, and where every customer feels they belong.”
(Show a community event, a group enjoying music, or a small workshop in the café space.)
Closing (1:20–1:30)
“Thank you for sharing in our story. Visit us at Gather & Grind Café, or follow along on social media to see how we’re building community—one cup at a time.”
(End with a friendly group shot of staff waving, café sign in the background.)
Sample Script: “Harbour Candle Co.”
Opening (0:00–0:20)
“Welcome to Harbour Candle Co., where every candle we make carries a story. We started this business with a simple goal: to create something that connects people to memory, tradition, and a sense of place.”
(Show shelves of candles, close-ups of labels, and someone lighting one at home.)
Middle (0:20–1:00)
“Our products are inspired by the cultures, landscapes, and experiences that shape our community. Each scent is carefully designed—whether it’s a fragrance that reminds you of family gatherings, or one that brings the calm of the shoreline into your living room.
What makes us proud is knowing these candles don’t just light a room—they spark conversations, comfort, and connection.”
(Cut to shots of pouring wax, packaging candles, and customers smelling them at a market or store.)
Impact (1:00–1:20)
“We believe products can do more than serve a function—they can carry meaning. Every purchase helps us support local makers, partner with artists, and celebrate the creative spirit that defines our community.”
(Show a local artist painting candle labels, or a small donation drive/community event connected to the business.)
Closing (1:20–1:30)
“Thanks for being part of our journey. You can find our candles online at HarbourCandleCo.com, or visit us in-store to experience the collection in person.”
(End with a warm shot of candles glowing in a cozy space, with staff smiling or waving.)
