why & how: support small & local this season

This Holiday Season is Make-Or-Break for many Small Businesses.

The last 2 years have taken a real toll, with most small businesses needing to re-work & evolve to try to survive. This Holiday season is going to be 'Make-Or-Break' for too many shops all over the nation. Here are ways you can help [some that don't cost a cent!] & WHY you should care.
Time for me to get up on my soapbox for a moment [see what I did there…] & preach! During these unprecedented times, it is crucial that we all exercise our power as buyers & work to save our nation’s small businesses. Let me break down just WHY, as well as ways HOW together we can do just that.
​Imma try & be brief, but you know me…..

​WHY Save Small Businesses?

First, micro & small businesses have a large & positive impact on their local communities. Dollars spent at small businesses tend to remain within the local community with an average of $0.48 of each $1 spent being infused back into the local economy, compared to only $0.14 of each $1 spent in big box stores. When you shop locally, those dollars stay in the community & support local development.

Additionally, small businesses support community & create more jobs than larger corporations. It may seem unlikely, but it is true. According to the Small Business Association, since 1990 small businesses have created over 8 million jobs while big businesses have eliminated 4 million. Even though only 21.5% of all small businesses are employers, they provide jobs to over half the workforce. [www.sba.gov/business-guide] 

Small businesses, particularly retail stores, are major contributors to the heart of communities, with each town’s “Main Street” being the hub of activity dedicated to enhancing & preserving the character or “Small Town Charm” of our neighborhoods & towns. Deliberate focus on supporting local business drives up the appeal of the shopping area & attracts tourism dollars into the community. The effect has a far-reaching positive impact on local hotels, attractions, & other small businesses; this is called the Multiplier Effect.
Small businesses are more likely to give back & support charities. It seems in addition to greater investment in our local communities, micro & small businesses are more generous as well. Infact, small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to nonprofits & community causes. [https://seattlegood.org/] 

Small businesses support sustainability. Our size allows for flexibility that makes us leaders in sustainability & gives us the means to source locally & ethically. Our shorter journey from maker to buyer often allows for greater transparency in ingredients & materials. In fact, the majority of green businesses are small independent businesses with less than 200 employees, & include categories such as alternative energy, sustainable retail, & organic food growers.

What Can I Do?  [& maintain social distancing]

Okay, now that we’ve talked about why, let’s address HOW we can help. The obvious first step is to choose to support small businesses with our purchases, especially during this crucial Holiday season. Shop SMALL, eat LOCAL!  Keeping COVID in mind, you can maintain safety protocols & still support your local small businesses. Take advantage of store’s contactless pickup offerings or set up a private shop appointment with your favorite local stores. Many have also added online shopping options. 

Or invest in your future [& theirs] by buying Gift Certificates to help micro & small businesses weather these trying times. Actively Discover New around you!  Take a look around your community. Is there a small grocer you hadn’t noticed? A farm-stand you've been meaning to checkout? A little bookstore you haven’t visited? Now is the time.

You have the POWER. Now is the time to exercise it!

In addition to focusing where we
spend our dollars, there are tons of ways you can support your favorite small businesses that don’t cost a dime!
Here is a quick list of truly effective & FREE things you can do:

• Leave REVIEWS on their website or Google page.
  
• Like their posts on Social Media.
  
• COMMENT & share posts on Social Media.
  
• Talk them up to your friends so they can support them too!
  
• Promote small businesses on your social media pages – with links.​
  
• Reach out & ask what they need right now; we need to stick together

We are truly in a state of ‘Use Them or Lose Them’ this Holiday season.
Your choices have power; put that power to good use. It is up to all of us to preserve our precious 'Small Town Charm' across the nation! 
​What better gift than that can we give ourselves & our families this Holiday?  
[climbing off soapbox now! STAY SAFE]