I’m a big fan of supporting local whenever possible. Local events, local business and local charity! They’re all so important! Money spent in the community has a huge impact on the community and leads to great things, like growth of business, retention of citizens and increased infrastructure and jobs! It’s been a really hard year for so many businesses with COVID19. Many closed in the early days of the pandemic and many are still struggling to recoup lost revenues from that. Not to mention – so many people feel safer hitting “add to cart” from the comfort of their homes rather then going out in person. That being said – whenever possible you should absolutely support local businesses this year and I’ve put together ten reasons why!
1. Keep Money in Your Community. When you purchase at locally owned businesses, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the local tax base. That goes to road improvements, community initiatives and funding. Spend local and see the benefits locally!
2. Local Charities Receive Greater Support. Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners. Remember when you asked that business owner to support your kid in hockey or sponsor your fun run? Keep that in mind.
3. Independent Businesses add Character to your Community. The uniqueness of this community is defined by the business that reside there, and that plays a huge role in your overall satisfaction with where you live and the value of you home and quality of life.
4. Reduce Environmental Impact. No need to commute to communities 1-2-3 hours away, local business provide a variety that is much friendlier for your environmental footprint.
This generally means contributing less to congestion, emissions and pollution.
5. More Jobs. Did you know, small local businesses are the largest employers nationally! Plus the more jobs you have in your local community the less people are going to have to commute which means more time to enjoy the time with family and recreation and leads to less traffic and pollution.
6. You Can’t Beat the Customer Service. Product knowledge and being proud of your community leads to great customer service. And the business owners that you’re supporting? Well they’re your friends, family and neighbours!
7. Returned Investment in the Community. Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s welfare and future.
8. The Benefits Outweigh the Costs. Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and more efficiently utilize existing spaces. Downtowns become revitalized with local small business and when new infrastructure is required, it leads to more local jobs with contractors and suppliers being sourced locally.
9. Competition is a Good Thing. A marketplace of many small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.
10. You Matter to Local Businesses. Almost any businesses will respond to their customers but your values and desires are much more influential to your local community business than
a business that is hours away. When you support your local retailers you drive your community forward!
So – what are you doing this holiday season? Hitting add to cart? Or will you join me in supporting local small businesses?
– Candice