The holiday season is upon us. It's the time of year when the spirit of giving takes center stage, and it’s a great opportunity to support small businesses in your neighborhood. Whether you head to nearby shops for some holiday gifts, or stop for lunch at a local restaurant, your support will have a direct impact on the local economy and the lives of small business owners. There are even ways to support local businesses beyond making purchases.
Here are some additional ways you can contribute to the success of local businesses:
1. Spread the Word About the Importance of Shopping Small
Small businesses aren't just storefronts or service providers. They're major players in our local economy and often don't get enough credit for it. While it might be convenient to shop at Amazon or Target, or the national grocery chain nearest your home, your purchases don’t have the same local impact that they would at a small business. Helping others to understand why local businesses matter could persuade them to give local shops a try. Here are some of the benefits of shopping local:
- Supports Local Economic Growth. Backing local businesses isn't just nice; it's a powerful way to fuel your neighborhood economy. When you shop small, you're putting money back into your community. This helps create more local jobs and generates taxes that fund important local needs like schools and parks.
- Personalized Service. Small businesses often provide a level of personal service and attention to detail that large retailers can't match. Small business owners also have a deeper understanding of local needs and they can often create more personal relationships with customers than their larger counterparts.
- More Unique Offerings. Small businesses can give you access to a treasure trove of diverse and novel items. Oftentimes, the unusual products you can find in local shops aren’t something you could just stumble upon at nationwide chains. So, if you're keen on discovering fresh finds and one-of-a-kind pieces, check out your neighborhood shops.
- Environmental Impact. Shopping locally reduces the environmental impact of your purchases. When you opt for local products and services, it means shorter trips from production to your doorstep. That's less travel time and fewer trucks on the road. Many small businesses also prioritize sustainable practices that align with local community values.
2. Leave a Review
Taking a few minutes to leave a positive review on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook can go a long way. When you put your experiences out there honestly and specifically, it's like laying bricks that build trust with future customers. Your glowing review could be what makes someone finally give a local business a try.
3. Follow and Engage With Their Social Media Content
Small businesses often rely on social media to reach new customers. So, hit that "Like” or “Follow” button, comment on their posts, and share them with your own social media network. You'd be surprised how much your support can help boost the visibility of a local business on social media.
4. Be Their Brand Ambassador
Spreading the word about your favorite local businesses is powerful. Don't keep your awesome encounters to yourself. Sharing your positive local experiences with family and friends can serve as a spark, inspiring others to explore the hidden treasures within your community.
Shopping locally offers numerous advantages, both for you and your neighborhood. Let's rally around our homegrown enterprises this holiday season – because we can create big waves with small actions together. BankFive believes wholeheartedly in the importance of small businesses and we do everything we can to foster their growth and celebrate their successes.