Importance of Supporting Small Businesses

For many years when shopping for a good or need we look for the cheapest option. The cheapest option however often resides in a mainstream, global corporation. While this can sometimes be the easiest option for us at the time, we forget a much more valuable and important option exists. Often times the people behind these corporations do not care about the well-being of your community the way a small, local business does. “Most independent businesses are run by people – not by boards, not by stockholders, not by algorithms. And so you get a different kind of care and quality in their product because their work is a reflection of themselves. Instead of focusing on the next market they’re expanding into or the next round of funding they’re raising, they’re focusing on the details and being the best they can be.” – Erica Cerulo and Claire Mazur (co-founders – Of a Kind).

When it comes to making a purchasing decision that will make a positive impact and difference in someone’s life, shopping local is the way to go. While shopping local you are putting money and experience back into your community. You are also supporting your neighbor and their dreams as an entrepreneur. By pouring back into your local community, you are encouraging greater growth and a brighter future for you, your families, and your friends. Your community will grow and prosper due to small businesses putting their money and resources into the community and helping non-profits. Another huge benefit to supporting local businesses is they often leave a much smaller carbon footprint than larger corporations. A lot of local businesses resource locally too, it is similar to a snowball affect. By helping the small business, they are often supporting another small business or farmer and the role goes on.

The idea of supporting local can sometimes mean getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing a new type of shopping. This can often be intimidating to shoppers. However, that doesn’t make it any less important. There are many ways you can get started shopping local and gaining more confidence by trying out a few new ideas.

1. Purchase a coffee at a local shop
2. Visit a local store on your main street to find your next gift for someone
3. Invite your friend to lunch at a family-owned restaurant (this way you don’t have to test the waters on your own)
4. Try and support a new local business once a week

While the decision to shop local can be daunting and often times scary, it is a change that will truly change and impact your community and your life.