The Canada directory for 1857-58 published the earliest known directory listing of names of Smiths Falls business owners and professionals. Most entries simply noted the profession after the individual's name, but several have additional text describing aspects of their business, presumably at an increased cost for such a feature that might be described as enhanced advertising.

Smiths Falls enjoyed a wide range of businesses available to its citizens and surrounding communities. Grocers, bakers, and butchers provided outlets for food. Blacksmiths, waggonmakers, and saddlers focussed upon horse transportation. Raw materials were processed by mills and foundries. Cabinetmakers, chairmakers, carpenters and joiners refined wood products into finished items. John Craine painted ornamental signs for local business owners and the interiors and exteriors of homes (his name was sometimes published as Crane (John Craine was the grandfather of Dr. Agnes Craine)). Included among the many entrepreneurs were Miss Graham and Miss McCormick who identified themselves as dressmakers. Tailors and shoemakers also helped clothe people.

Well-established business leaders such as Frost & Wood, G.M. Cossitt and Abel Ward appeared in the directory.