Small businesses in our communities help keep the local economy in a good place. Small businesses provide jobs and can work to sustain families, and many of the shops and restaurants in our area can act as places to bring members in the community closer together. With the Covid-19 pandemic in recent years, many people have adjusted the way they shop. Instead of going out into the community, it felt easier for many to switch to online shopping. However, once some of the effects of the pandemic came to light, it became more important than ever to rally behind the small businesses in our communities. 

5 Reasons Why Local Small Businesses are Important

As mentioned previously, small businesses in the community can have benefits both economically and socially. Check out some of the top reasons why it’s so important to get out there and support our small local businesses!

Positive Impact on the Local Economy

Popular and growing companies, such as those that started in small coffee shops for example, can foster ecosystems that let other similar small businesses thrive. Another benefit of buying locally is that the money will stay in the community and continue to develop, which is referred to as the multiplier effect. Tax revenue that’s made from sales taxes from these local businesses will work to support the local government. 

Supporting the “American Dream”

The American dream is referred to as the theory that states equality of opportunity should be made available to every single American. By supporting those small local businesses, you’re giving business owners a chance to achieve aspirations and goals they’ve always wanted. 

Good Customer Service

People who shop locally in the community are more likely to deal with friendly and genuine customer service overall. It will be easier for the employees to get to know some of the customers because they are shopping small, and their livelihoods may ultimately depend on your customer service experience with the business. 

Shop Sustainably 

Smaller businesses, most commonly DTC brands, are more likely to have sustainable practices overall. These businesses will typically have a short manufacturer-to-consumer journey, which means that you have more transparency as to the ingredients, materials, and source of products you buy. Small businesses could be the producer of goods, or sell products that have already been made by smaller brands. Because of smaller quantities, small businesses will typically manufacture locally and ethically. 

Giving Back In More Ways than One

Small local businesses usually play some type of role towards supporting charities and other causes in the community. It’s estimated that small businesses donate 250% more than large businesses to local nonprofits and community causes. Some of these nonprofits and causes can include local charities, youth organizations, local first responders, and service groups. 

Ways You Can Support Local Small Businesses

With the holidays coming up, why not give back this season and support your local small businesses! There are a variety of ways you can support local small businesses, some of which don’t even require that you leave your home! Continue reading to learn more about what you can do. 

Order Takeout or Delivery 

In the early years of the Covid-19 pandemic, restaurants were among the businesses that were hit the hardest. This is because it was difficult to run a restaurant safely with such an easily spreadable sickness. Fortunately however, many restaurants were able to set up delivery/takeout options if they didn’t already have those in place. If you’re not feeling up to cook but too lazy to go out to eat, why not order takeout or delivery from a delicious restaurant locally!

Use Social Media to Share Your Favorite Places

Local small businesses in our communities typically have some sort of competition, along with highest costs to acquire customers—and a much lower return on the cost of advertising. It’s beneficial to share posts about small businesses in your community across your social networks, in order to spread awareness and hopefully give them another heap of customers. Maybe you want to share an unboxing video of a product you had bought from the business, or even just share a positive experience you had with your followers. 

Leave Positive Reviews

It’s estimated that 9 out of 10 people will look at reviews online for a product they want to buy or a business they’re interested in visiting. Positive reviews can generate something referred to as word-of-mouth marketing, which can help to add that credibility to the reputation of a small business. Maybe you might want to leave a review about a company’s staff members, product quality, or maybe just your thoughts on the vibe of the store in general!

Buy Gift Cards

Buying gift cards from a local small business can act as a way to support, even if you’re not actually buying one of their products. Gift cards will still produce immediate revenue, even if it’s not used for a while. Maybe it’s a promise that you will support the business at a later date, but you could also give the gift card to someone else as a present! 

Do Your Part and Support a Local Small Business Today

Supporting a local small business can produce a number of benefits not just economically, but socially as well. Whether by leaving a good review or stocking up on gift cards, get out there and support your local small businesses today!