7 reasons to support local small businesses this holiday season
“Shop local” has become a popular mantra in cities and towns around the Alleghenies and across the country, with good reason. These two little words can have a big impact. Supporting small local businesses makes a difference in your community. Here are some reasons why it’s a great idea to support small local businesses:
- Stimulate the local economy: By supporting small local businesses, you cycle money back into your community. The tax revenue made through sale taxes from local businesses support the local government. This is then used to reinvest in the community.
- Reduce your carbon footprint: Small local businesses tend to make more local purchases, which requires less transportation (less pollution and congestion). Since they are nearby, shopping at a small business generally reduces traffic and helps to conserve local resources.
- Create local jobs: Small businesses added 1.8 million net new jobs in the United States during the latest year studied.
- Innovation: Small businesses and startups provide more than just jobs for community members. More local businesses mean more variety among the retail and restaurant options to draw residents and visitors.
- Community involvement: Small businesses are often more involved in the community than larger corporations. They are the logos and names you see sponsoring local events, sports teams and charitable organizations.
- Better Customer Service: Small businesses often provide better customer service than larger corporations. They appreciate every sales and are more likely to go the extra mile to make sure customers are satisfied.
- Unique Products: Small businesses often offer unique products that often cannot be found in larger stores. Items are more likely to be locally-made or locally-sourced, so your purchase supports other local entities in addition to the store where you’re shopping, supporting the local economy.
By supporting small local businesses, you can help create a more vibrant and sustainable community, and find unique and treasured gifts for the holidays.
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
