#SHOPSMALL: SO.DA AND TWITTER TEAM UP WITH AMERICAN EXPRESS CANADA TO SPOTLIGHT
SMALL BUSINESSES
Touring Four Local Treasures, HGTV Canada's Sebastian Clovis Hosts the Original Series, Energizing Canadians to Shop Local
Available @AmexCanada's Twitter Handle and on the Global TV App
For Immediate Release
TORONTO, July 29, 2021 - For a second year, so.da and Twitter team up with @AmexCanada to spotlight locally-owned business and the people that power it for a brand new collection of stories. Created in support of American Express Canada's #ShopSmall program, a national advertising campaign, backed by a Cardmember offer, the campaign and accompanying series, encourages Canadians to get behind their local small businesses. The four-part series, produced by so.da, sees HGTV Canada's Sebastian Clovis meet the owners behind the businesses that are the backbone of their communities and energizes viewers to #ShopSmall. The first two episodes are available now on @AmexCanada's Twitter handle and the Global TV App.
We're so proud to be joining forces again with Twitter and American Express Canada to highlight the extraordinary small businesses that boost communities across Canada, said Dervla Kelly, Senior Vice President of Marketing and so.da, Corus Entertainment. With the addition of host Sebastian Clovis, each episode dives deeper into the evolution of each merchant's story, further showcasing their culture and passion, while underscoring the importance to #ShopSmall.
Now more than ever, Twitter is where people come to discover and learn about small businesses in their communities, said Michael Palombo, Head of Entertainment, Twitter Canada. In addition to distributing American Express Canada's #ShopSmall program again this year, Twitter is also providing Brand Workshops to all merchants featured in the series through a 60-minute training and onboarding session.
Shop Small is about supporting the small businesses that help shape our neighbourhoods, said Lauren Dineen-Duarte, VP of Communications at American Express Canada. This video series showcases the special relationship that business owners have with their communities, and it's inspiring to see not only their passion for what they do, but the way people have come together for them.
The locally diverse businesses showcased in #ShopSmall include:
Portland Market (@PortlandMarketC)
Episode available here
With more and more people making their homes a sanctuary; Toronto's Portland Market, has become a one-stop small business shop for anyone interested in plant design, botanical arts and nature. The storefront is alive with lush greenery, which research suggests helps boost mental and physical health. With a wide variety of plant life to choose from, Portland Market does not stop at plants, they also offer food, gifts, candles, decorative pots and lifestyle items - many locally made and sourced. In this episode, owner, Irene Hickman, discusses the shop's dedication to community and how it's helping people cultivate a love for nature through plants.
Cumin Kitchen (@CuminToronto)
Episode available here
With luxe cushions, sultry curtains and a bright atmosphere, Cumin Kitchen is a cozy spot for lunch or a romantic dinner destination. Located on Toronto's bustling Danforth Avenue, this Indian restaurant has an eclectic menu of authentic, fresh and delicious food. From the local spices to the neighbourhood flowers that delight the space, co-owners Krishna Gaudel and Chef Phanindra Acharya ensure care, love and local is celebrated. Gaudel and his team welcome customers like family and strive to deliver great service to the community. In this episode, Sebastian heads into kitchen and learns why this authentic cuisine is a staple within the community.
Krave Coffee (@KraveCoffee)
Episode available August 3
Krave Coffee is much more than their name would suggest offering their own line of organic cold pressed juices as well as fresh baked goods, mouth-watering sandwiches, organically refreshing salads and a variety of vegan desserts. This specialty coffee shop supports local businesses, and uses locally roasted beans and products. With an interior proudly decorated with Canadiana and a large welcoming patio, Krave Coffee has become a true community hub just north of Toronto's downtown core, creating an inclusive and safe environment for all. In this episode, owner Calay Hall, gets creative as she puts Sebastian to work behind the counter.
Oceah Oceah (@OceahOceah)
Episode available August 10
Upon arriving at Oceah Oceah, it becomes clear that any experience here becomes an adventure and unique personal journey. Founded by First Nations sisters Jenifer, Sharon and Lana, the mission of this standup paddle boarding small business is to connect with all people and build a community on Toronto's waterways. When paddling up the Humber River with Oceah Oceah, the sounds of the traffic and noise fade away and nature reveals itself, providing a sense of calm and tranquility, without ever leaving the city. Jumping into the water for this episode, co-owner Jenifer Rudski, paddleboards with Sebastian along the Humber River, teaching him about the history of the traditional Indigenous waterway as he attempts to maintain his composure when challenged to a headstand.
-30-
About so.da
so.da is a full-service, specialized social digital agency offering strategy, community management, content production, analytics and social listening, talent and influencer integration. In addition to managing Corus' vast portfolio of brands in the social space, including Food Network Canada, HGTV Canada, Global TV, Slice and W Network, so.da works with many of Canada's leading brands to support their social strategy and content production. The agency's deep understandi
Most recent headlines
11/12/2025
Dalet, a leading provider of cloud-native, end-to-end media workflow solutions, ...
28/11/2025
Nadia Fall attends the 2025 Sundance Film Festival premiere of Brides at the Egyptian Theatre on January 24, 2025, in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Donyale West/...
28/11/2025
It's easy to ignore those little red update available badges. But when it ...
28/11/2025
WASHINGTON Federal Communications Commission has released a tentative agenda for the December Open Commission Meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025 ...
28/11/2025
The Professional Fighters League is looking to super-serve fans of mixed martial...
28/11/2025
Fubo has released in beta on select Roku devices a new feature that lets users display up to four simultaneous streams at once....
28/11/2025
The WNBA playoffs and Week 4 of the NFL regular season highlight the list of live sports events airing on television this weekend....
28/11/2025
The 32nd class of honorees to the B+C Hall of Fame took to the stage at New York's Ziegfeld Ballroom on September 26 for a gala induction event. Click below...
28/11/2025
We hold in our hands the very last Next Text for Next TV, the weekly back-and-fo...
28/11/2025
DirecTV said it made a deal with EchoStar to buy EchoStar's video businesses, including satellite-TV provider Dish TV and virtual MVPD Sling TV, for $1 plus...
28/11/2025
The Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame, the premier industry event paying tribute to the influencers, innovators and shining lights of broadcast, cable and streami...
28/11/2025
Friday 28 November 2025
Sky Sports x Slawn drop limited-edition football jersey...
28/11/2025
Rohde & Schwarz shows resilience in a challenging environment, revenue exceeds t...
28/11/2025
Unwrapped: The Toy Show Appeal - airing this Sunday on RT One and RT Player- s...
27/11/2025
LONDON Vizrt has added several AI-driven advanced features offering improved speed, intelligence and accuracy in the newest version of its media asset managemen...
27/11/2025
Prime Video has launched AI-powered video season recaps in a beta version for select English-language Prime Original series in the U.S., a move Amazon is callin...
27/11/2025
Back to All News
Netflix's Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders Marks a Grand...
27/11/2025
27 Nov 2025
GSMA brings M360 Eurasia 2026 to Samarkand in partnership with VEON...
27/11/2025
Tahar Rahim and Izuka Hoyle star in the gripping six-part Sky Original from Acad...
27/11/2025
Thursday 27 November 2025
Sky Arts Reveals the Nation's Greatest Basslines - and Queen Reign Supreme
The UK's most iconic basslines have been revealed...
27/11/2025
Back to All News
Stranger Things 5': Prepare for One Last Adventure With O...
27/11/2025
The media industry has a paradox at its core. It's an industry built on light, color and imagination, yet behind the scenes, it's powered by one of the ...
27/11/2025
Rating reflects rating progress across areas including policies, diversity & inclusion, health & safety and Net Zero leadership
Winchester, UK, 27 November 202...
27/11/2025
What are the industry standards for Retail Media? Kathryn explains that certification is based on the IAB Europe Retail Media Measurement Standards and the IAB ...
27/11/2025
World champion boxer and Irish sporting icon Katie Taylor will be in studio this...
27/11/2025
Roblox, one of the world's most popular online gaming platforms for primary ...
27/11/2025
Black Friday is leveling up. Get ready to score one of the biggest deals of the season - 50% off the first three months of a new GeForce NOW Ultimate membership...
26/11/2025
SVG Sit-Down: Prime Video EP Mike Muriano Previews Massive Black Friday Slate Fe...
26/11/2025
A cinematic snow sculpture at the 1995 Sundance Film Festival. Photo by Randall Michelson...
26/11/2025
Book podcasts are booming. On Spotify, you'll find everything from celebrity book clubs to deep dives with bestselling authors. And in markets where audiobo...
26/11/2025
Mumbai, November 24, 2025: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, JioStar, in collab...
26/11/2025
LONDON Factual content producer ITN Productions has launched a new low-latency IP gallery for news bulletins....
26/11/2025
MIAMI TelevisaUnivision said it struck a new multiyear distribution agreement with YouTube TV that includes distribution of TelevisaUnivision's U.S. network...
26/11/2025
OpenDrives, Inc., a leader in software-defined data storage and data services, today announced the launch of the Atlas Corporate Creative Solution. This new Atl...
26/11/2025
Disguise, the industry-leading company powering the world's biggest live performances, is partnering with pioneering LED wall manufacturer DVS to give atten...
26/11/2025
HighField AI, the pioneer in agentic and multimodal automation for broadcast and media production, today announced the expansion of its global channel partner n...
26/11/2025
As high-stakes Premier League fixtures approach and additional premium content launches, with MONO positioning themselves to dominate Thailand's sports stre...
26/11/2025
Hosting a wide variety of events from high-intensity NHL games to complex live music concerts and major entertainment productions, Montreal's 21,000 capacit...
26/11/2025
Vizrt, the leader in live production technology revolutionizing viewer engagement and experience, releases AI-driven advances focusing on speed, intelligence, a...
26/11/2025
ITN Productions, an award-winning factual content producer, today launched a new low-latency IP gallery for news bulletins. Responsible for delivering a leading...
26/11/2025
Ikegami reports ongoing advances throughout 2025 in developing and delivering coordinated television production solutions that maximize quality, versatility and...
26/11/2025
Following the Nov. 21 blackout of NBCUniversal channels on Fubo, the two sides have traded barbs about their inability to reach a new carriage deal....
26/11/2025
LONDON As TV sports rights become increasingly important for both broadcasters and streamers, Ampere Analysis predicts global investment in the genre will surpa...
26/11/2025
LOS ANGELES Vubiquity said it has achieved the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Media & Entertainment Competency as part of the AWS Partner Network (APN). This designa...
26/11/2025
WASHINGTON The Federal Communications Commission's Enforcement Bureau said it has entered into a consent decree with Comcast calling for the cable company t...
26/11/2025
Berklee Named to the Hollywood Reporters Top Music Schools List The publication highlights the college's screen scoring program, industry partnerships, and ...
26/11/2025
Back to All News
Animated Series Love Through a Prism' Casts New Light on ...
26/11/2025
Back to All News
NALIP Unveils Fifth Cohort of Director Incubator
Social Impact
26 November 2025
United States
Link copied to clipboard
The National Assoc...
26/11/2025
YouView Achieves Greenly Gold Certification for SustainabilityNov 26, 2025
YouView is proud to announce a Gold Certification award from Greenly for our perform...
#SHOPSMALL: SO.DA AND TWITTER TEAM UP WITH AMERICAN EXPRESS CANADA TO SPOTLIGHT 
