It's no secret that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of many communities. As per Forbes, 99.9% of businesses across the US are small businesses.
But with the current pandemic, many small business owners have been struggling to stay afloat. Now more than ever it is important to support these local businesses so they can keep their doors open and continue to play an integral role in our daily lives.
Why Is It Significant To Support Small Businesses?
1. They Create Jobs
Small businesses are a major driver of job creation in the United States, responsible for two out of every three new jobs created. They provide a large range of jobs with varying levels of responsibility and pay, giving individuals the opportunity to find employment that fits their needs in their community.
This helps to increase workforce participation and reduces unemployment rates, which then has a positive effect on the overall economic activity of the area.
2. They Are Vital To Our Local Economies
Small businesses don’t just provide employment; they also increase the tax base of their communities, generate revenue through spending, and help drive economic growth by circulating money in their local economies.
They also create opportunities for other businesses within their local community. For example, they often purchase goods and services from other local companies, providing them with income which in turn helps to strengthen their businesses as well as the larger economic landscape.
Furthermore, small business owners often use local banks for loan applications or lines of credit that lend additional support to these financial institutions.
3. They Offer Personalized Experiences
Rather than simply selling a product, many small businesses provide an experience that larger companies rarely provide as they tend to be more attentive to customers’ needs and feedback.
By supporting small businesses, customers are also helping to preserve the unique cultural elements of their communities. Unlike large corporate stores where inventory is more standardized and generic, small business owners specialize in certain services or items that may not be available elsewhere.
This allows people access to unique products and services that are tailored specifically to their community’s needs; thus preserving the distinct character of its citizens.
4. They Care About The Environment
Small business owners are likely to prioritize environmental initiatives such as using renewable energy sources or investing in sustainable practices like reducing waste and conserving water
5. They Give Back To Their Communities
Small businesses are often at the forefront of giving back to their local communities—volunteering, sponsoring events and fundraisers, donating goods or services, etc. Supporting these businesses helps ensure that they can continue to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of their neighborhoods.
Here Are 23 Ways To Support Small Businesses
1. Buy Gift Cards From Local Businesses
Buying gift cards from local businesses is a great way to show your support and encourage other customers to do the same. Not only does it provide the business with immediate financial help, but it also helps them build customer loyalty since they can redeem those gift cards when they need them.
You can also buy gift cards from other small businesses and give them to the newly established business owner as a gift to show your support.
2. Share Positive Reviews On Listing Sites
One way to share positive reviews is by writing honest and detailed reviews on websites like Yelp, Google My Business, and TripAdvisor. When writing reviews, it’s best to include specific details such as the customer service you received or the quality of the product or service. This helps other consumers make an informed decision when considering supporting a local business.
3. Give Feedback On Social Media
Another great way to share positive reviews about small businesses is through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. You can post shout-outs about your favorite small businesses to your friends and followers, encouraging them to check out these amazing establishments in their area.
This can be done by simply sharing a few sentences about why you love a certain business or even posting photos of yourself at that establishment.
4. Attend Events Hosted By Local Businesses
Attending these events not only shows your support for the business but also allows you to learn more about its offerings and network with like-minded people in your community.
5. Shop Locally As Often As Possible
When you can, buy things from small businesses near your home. That way the money you spend stays in your local community.
6. Refer Friends And Family To Small Businesses You’ve Used Before
Word of mouth is the best form of advertisement and it’s free! Help small business owners you know by referring friends and family to them when they need a service or product. You can also encourage your acquaintances to share their own positive experiences with others, which will help to spread the word about these small businesses even further.
7. Donate Directly To Small Business Owners
These platforms allow people to offer financial assistance to people who are struggling or have been impacted by the current economic climate. Crowdfunding donations can be used for a variety of things, from covering unexpected expenses to helping fund new projects.
8. Shop Online Due To Pandemic Restrictions
By shopping online, customers can still receive the goods and services they need while also helping to keep small business owners afloat during this difficult time. Shopping online also allows customers the convenience of ordering from their own homes, meaning they don't have to worry about traveling or waiting in line.
9. Spread The Word About What Makes Their Business Unique
One of the best ways to spread the word about small businesses and what makes them unique is to tell stories. Share stories about a business owner's background, their journey to success, or their unique approach to customer service. This helps to make the business feel more personal and tangible for people who may not know much about it.
10. Follow Them On Social Media
Following small business owners on social media is a great way to stay connected and show your support. Interacting with the content they post, such as liking and commenting, not only lets them know that their posts are appreciated but also provides valuable feedback about their offerings.
You can also share their posts with your network, helping to spread the word about their business even further.
11. Buy From Local Artisans Or Crafters
Purchasing products made by local artisans and crafters are a great way to support your community and show appreciation for the wonderful talent in your area. Not only can you find unique items that you won't be able to get anywhere else, but you will also be motivating these local creators to keep producing great work.
12. Check Out Secondhand Stores For Pre-Loved Clothing Items Made By Local Designers
By visiting and shopping these stores you not only help them financially, but it also helps to reduce waste and promote sustainability. These stores also often carry locally made items, such as clothing designed by local artists or handmade jewelry. Not only can you find great deals, but it's also a fun way to support your community!
13. Make Purchases From Vending Machines Or Automatic Kiosks
Purchasing from vending machines or automatic kiosks owned by independently owned businesses (“mom and pop” shops) is a great way to support small, locally-owned businesses. These businesses often have limited resources and rely heavily on the patronage of their local customers.
By purchasing items from these machines, you will be helping to keep these businesses running, as well as providing a convenient way for customers to purchase products quickly and easily.
14. Pay In Advance
One of the best ways to support small businesses is to pay in advance or ask if you can pay a deposit. Paying ahead of time helps ensure that the business has enough money to cover its costs and reduces the risk of them having to bear the burden if customers don't follow through.
It also allows them to have a steady cash flow even during slow periods, which is essential for keeping them in business.
15. Donate Your Time Or Skills When Needed
Donating your time or skills to help small businesses is one of the most impactful ways to show your support. Not only does it provide a much-needed boost to local businesses in need, but it also allows you to feel a sense of satisfaction for being able to make a difference.
One way to donate your time or skills is to offer your services pro bono when needed. Many small businesses often don't have the resources to hire additional help, so offering your services for free can make a difference.
16. Plan Events At Venues Run By Locals
Not only will you be helping them financially, but it can also provide an opportunity to showcase their services to a wider audience.
For example, hosting a meeting or event at one of these venues can help spread the word about their offerings and services, as well as encourage more people to support these local businesses.
17. Visit Your Local Farmer’s Market
Buying from local farmers helps support their livelihoods, but it also provides high-quality, fresh food for your family and friends. Local farmers are often the most in tune with the growing cycles and can provide insight into seasonal changes, including when certain varieties of fruits and vegetables should be eaten or stored.
18. Tip Generously
If you’re eating out at a small business restaurant or café, consider leaving a larger tip than usual to show your appreciation for the hard work of the staff. Remember, these small business owners are often working with a limited budget, so showing your support by tipping generously can make a big difference for them.
19. Collaborate And Promote Each Other
Small business entrepreneurship is at the heart of the American economy, and supporting each other is a powerful way to promote success. All small businesses have something unique to offer and can be great partners in each others' success.
Businesses can advertise their products or services to each other's customers and followers on social media, collaborate on joint projects, or provide discounts and referral programs.
Business owners need to think creatively about possible collaborations; this camaraderie is an essential part of a thriving business atmosphere.
20. Offer Mico Loans
Small businesses need more support than ever before, especially during the pandemic. One way to give them a helping hand is by lending small loans. This type of loan could help these businesses cover basic costs such as rent and utilities, or enable them to purchase inventory that allows them to keep up with customer demand.
Such short-term financial assistance could be key in helping small outlets stay running during this difficult period.!
Additional Resource: Cost Saving For Small Businesses
21. Be A Supporter Of Sustainable Methods
One of the most powerful ways to support small businesses is through sustainable methods. This means buying goods and services that are produced in an ethical, responsible manner that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and local communities.
By shopping at stores that use sustainable practices, you’re not only helping to protect the planet but also supporting local business owners
It's possible to even make advancements in sustainability efforts by investing in renewable energy for local stores and backing upstart projects that put money back into the surrounding community.
22. Sign up For The Email List To Stay Connected
Showing your support to a small business can be done effortlessly by subscribing to their email list. The content of the emails can range from new merchandise to promotional discounts, or announcements.
For example, if you read about their 10th-anniversary plan for participating customers in an email newsletter, you are now more likely to become one yourself and join in on the celebration. aaa
23. Be Generous And Kind
Being generous and kind is a great way to support small businesses. Buying local, shopping often, and donating funds are all great ways to show your support.
Sending a message directly to the owner or manager of the business to let them know you appreciate their hard work can go a long way
By joining forces to continue being generous and kind we can help ensure that our favorite small businesses remain in operation and be there for us as we need them now more than ever.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, supporting small businesses is a choice we can all make to help the local and even global economy. When we support small businesses, it allows them to grow and create more goods, services, and job opportunities that not only directly benefit the communities in which they operate, but also help stimulate further economic activity.
We also help small businesses design their branding, websites, marketing plans, and strategies for growth. Get in touch with us if you need our assistance.