Pledge to Keep it Home for the Holidays
Last month on November 27th, Small Business Saturday happened once again, acting as the specific day each year to remind us to support local business in our community by “Shopping Small,” especially as we prepare for our holiday shopping. But this year– and all subsequent ones, let’s celebrate a season of small, a season of local. Why settle for just one day?
Small businesses need your support beyond just this holiday season. A local business that is thriving and growing has a trickling positive effect on the community in so many ways – they’re more likely to:
- Hire more employees,
- Support local community events and sports,
- Give to local nonprofits and charities,
- Expand products and services,
- Offer better employee perks, and
- Pay additional tax dollars that help fund local needs like police, fire, and infrastructure.
Check out this infographic created by Score.org here, which examines the popularity of small businesses across the country.
It takes more than just support on one single day of shopping. Any amount of consistent support helps better, even if it’s committing to spending as little as $10 a month shopping local. We’re not suggesting additional spending, but rather advising to switch $10 a month currently being spent elsewhere to $10 with local businesses. You may be wondering, how true can this be? Can ten dollars spent at a local store really have that large of an impact on the community? What’s the difference buying something on Amazon or a big box store, rather than a local one?
The impact is sizable, in fact. It’s estimated that over $9.3 billion would be returned to our US economy if every family spent just $10 a month at a local business. That’s only a few cups of coffee or a glass of wine a month! Imagine the tremendous impact we could have if everyone could commit to that.
Pledge to shop, dine in, take out, stop by, support, browse at, and leave a review for a local business this month and beyond. Whether you’re a business owner or individual, your support makes a difference.
For a list of Chamber member local businesses that you can support, check out our online directory, or stop by the Chamber building and pick up a physical copy!
If you’re interested in supporting the cause by helping spread the word, check out these free “Small Business Season” marketing materials and logos created by Frank J. Kenny for you to use on your own marketing collateral throughout the remainder of the year and beyond!
We can all make a difference in the longevity of small businesses in our community. They are an important thread in what creates the tapestry of our community! Continue to #SupportLocal and #ShopSmall today.
