June Focus – Supporting Local and Small Businesses
We are so looking forward to this month and the challenge to support our local businesses! We recognize how vital they are to all of us, wherever we are, and we hope that everyone can find a way to make it a habit to support our local businesses.
Benefits of Shopping Locally
We think most people like the idea of supporting the local community. There are so many ways to do so whether it is buying produce from the farmer’s market or meeting up for a lunch at a small café. There is just something unique and special about what you get when supporting businesses in your area.
Do you ever think about the benefits to supporting local businesses beyond the good feelings you get when you are doing so?
Let’s look at some of the reasons we should all be making it a priority to shop locally whenever we can.
- Supporting local businesses helps to keep money in your community.
- Do you ever think about how when you shop at big box stores or online retailers, much of the money you spend goes to corporate headquarters located far away from your home?
- Support for local business = the money stays in the community = boosts the local economy!
- Do you ever think about how when you shop at big box stores or online retailers, much of the money you spend goes to corporate headquarters located far away from your home?
- Local businesses often have a direct impact on the community.
- They create jobs and support local causes.
- By supporting these businesses, you’re helping to keep your community strong and vibrant.
- They create jobs and support local causes.
- Getting to personally know and establish relationships with people and families that you are helping to support!
- When you consistently buy from local farmers, shop owners, etc., you naturally develop a relationship
- Even if it’s a simple exchange of conversation each time you pick up your products. There is something extra special about directly supporting an individual or family.
- When you consistently buy from local farmers, shop owners, etc., you naturally develop a relationship
Supporting Local Businesses Strengthens the Community
Choosing to support local businesses often have a positive impact on both the quality of products and services you receive and the strength of your community. By working together and supporting each other, everyone can benefit from a thriving local economy.
Local Businesses Create Jobs
Supporting local businesses has the benefit of creating local jobs and contributing to a more stable and vibrant economy within the community. Money spent at these businesses goes directly back into the local economy, which benefits EVERYONE.
Local Businesses Give Back to the Community
Another way that local businesses strengthen their communities is by giving back. Small businesses are often more engaged with their local communities, and they are more likely to donate to local charities and organizations.
Did you know that on average, small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to community causes? That means that when you are supporting local businesses, you are helping to create a cycle of giving that benefits everyone in the community!
So next time you need to buy something, consider supporting a local business and help to build a stronger community for everyone.
A Few Suggestions
Looking for ways to give back to your community? Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Check out the local farmer’s market for fresh, high-quality produce and a chance to meet your neighbors.
- Enjoy a meal with friends at a locally owned restaurant.
- Browse through the unique finds at local boutiques, which often offer a variety of locally made products such as skincare, art, and clothing.
- Visit nearby farms that sell produce directly to customers, some of which also offer the option to pick your own produce like pumpkins or strawberries.
- Consider joining a local CSA to receive regular shipments of fresh produce from nearby farms.
- Attend local events and festivals to learn more about the culture and history of your community.
- Support local artisans by purchasing handmade items such as pottery, jewelry, and home decor.
- Volunteer at a local organization or charity that supports causes you care about.
- Hire local service providers such as landscapers, cleaners, and contractors.
- Purchase your groceries from a local co-op or grocery store that sources its products from nearby farms and producers.
Remember, every small action counts towards making a difference in your community. By choosing to shop local and support small businesses, you are contributing to the growth and prosperity of your community.
What are your plans to support local this month? Check out what we are doing support local below. Share what you are doing with us on Facebook, Instagram, or comment below!
Nikki
We’ve been fortunate to enjoy the perks of having a local butcher nearby who provides us with fresh meat from local cows and pigs. We’ve purchased a few cows and pigs from their shop, and not only have we been able to contribute to the community, but we’ve also been able to obtain better quality meat than what’s available at the grocery store.
In addition to the meat, we also love visiting the local farm for freshly picked strawberries and other produce that we don’t grow in our own garden.
Staci
We have loved shopping at farmer’s markets for years for fresh produce and other fun finds. Recently, we just started purchasing meat from local farmers and have a freezer stocked with fresh beef, chicken and pork and we will continue going this route. We also get farm fresh eggs from locals. The quality is amazing and we love knowing where our meat comes from and how the animals were cared for!
We also have joined a herd share in our community. Some friends own a mircodairy and we purchase raw milk from them. Not only does it taste way better, but it is also full of beneficial bacteria that is so nourishing for our bodies and are not in the milk we get from the store.
I also purchase my skincare from a friend. She makes everything from scratch with ingredients that are completely non-toxic and work great!
