BLOG: How you can support small businesses this fall

Small businesses are the heart and soul of your local economy, and now more than ever it’s important to give them your support. What’s so important about small businesses? They provide jobs, they foster community, and they provide the opportunity for unique innovations that can then be adopted by other businesses. Despite their importance, small businesses often face adversity from large corporations, economic downturns, and even the occasional global pandemic. Below, we’ll explore the various ways in which you can support your local small businesses and help make a big difference in your community.

Shopping local

The most important way you can help a local business thrive is, as you might assume, to shop there. Giving local businesses your patronage, as opposed to shopping at a large chain retailer, will result in you directly contributing to your local economy. Local business’ earnings will usually be reinvested back into their community, which goes on to benefit other local entities such as schools, fellow businesses, and infrastructure. A great example of shopping local is frequenting your local farmers’ market. Not only can you get your hands on quality ingredients, but you can also directly support local farmers in the community.

Use social media

Social media is as powerful as it is easy to use. You can significantly increase your favorite business’ popularity through social media. Start by finding your favorite local businesses on platforms like Facebook, Instagram or X. Then when you like their content, those that are connected to you on social media will be more likely to shop at that business based on your endorsement. Sharing a business’ post(s) is also a great way to attract potential customers, especially when the post is about some sort of special sale or deal that they are offering.

Purchase gift cards

Purchasing gift cards from a business is a great way to supply a business with cash upfront. Even in a slow period, businesses still have costs to pay for their continued operation, which is why gift cards can be a great choice. It’s best to think of them as a future investment, or rainy day fund, towards the business. And as their name implies, they make great gifts to friends and family. Not only are you helping a business, but you’re also giving the recipient the choice of what they’d like to purchase from that business.

Participate in community events

Community events are another great way to engage with and support local small businesses. Festivals, fairs, home shows, farmers’ markets, etc. all will more than likely be mostly comprised of various small, local businesses. Attending these sorts of events not only helps provide revenue for various local businesses, but also helps raise their popularity and local customer base. Not to mention, attending these events allows you to help cultivate a vibrant local community, giving both businesses and individuals the opportunity to network with one another. There are other various community events you can also participate in such as workshops and classes taught or sponsored by a local business.

Choose local services

Supporting small businesses doesn’t just mean choosing where you do your shopping every week. It’s also about who you choose to provide services for you, your home, your car, etc. When you need to hire someone to like a landscaper or a cleaning service, choose a service professional that’s local. Even for services like hiring an accountant or lawyer, it’s often more beneficial to get local talent. Choosing local services not only gives you a better opportunity to build a long term relationship with that individual but can also more often than not allow you to receive more direct, personalized service.

Advocate and refer

One of the best ways to find quality service is through word of mouth. As a customer, you can play a crucial role in advocating for your favorite businesses. Start by letting folks know that you enjoy a local store or service provider. After that, you can even move on to social media, and throw some shout-out posts to these businesses.

In conclusion…

This coming fall, show local small businesses your support. Shop local, use social media, purchase gift cards, hire local, and spread the word. Together, we can help these vital enterprises thrive and keep our local economy strong and vibrant.

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Clayton Alexander is the Storyteller/Communications Specialist at Better Business Bureau serving Central California & Inland Empire Counties .