6 Reasons to Support Local Businesses
Choosing to shop locally and support small businesses has tons of benefits. From supporting your local community to reducing your impact on the environment and getting a better deal – there are lots of positives to be had from shopping locally.
While shopping locally can offer numerous advantages, we recognise that it might not always be feasible for every purchase. There may be instances where chain stores or online retailers offer better prices or a specific item you need. However, making a conscious effort to support local businesses when possible can have a positive impact on your community and the overall well-being of your region.
Here are some of the reasons you should support local businesses:
6 Reasons to Support Local Businesses
Support the local economy
Shopping at a local business is better for the economy of your community. Research shows that when £10 is spent with a local independent shop, an additional £50 goes back into the local economy. This is simply because local business owners, are more likely to put money you spend on their business back into the local community (e.g. local pubs, restaurants and shops). Studies have shown that thriving businesses can also help boost local house prices.
Small, local businesses also provide local jobs to communities. A supply of local jobs is so much better for the community than having to commute to work in a national business. Independent employers often provide better wages and benefits than big corporations too!
“Supporting local businesses is critical to the local economy. It helps self-employed people stay in business and the money goes back into the local area rather than heading to a massive corporation and heading offshore.” – Christy from www.welshmum.co.uk
Reduce your impact on the Environment
Choosing to buy from a local company is usually better for the environment than buying from a larger chain. Local companies are usually within walking distance meaning you don’t NEED to take a car to visit your local shops.
Reducing the distance you travel when shopping helps to alleviate our dependence on fossil fuels, reduce air pollution and cut back on greenhouse gas emissions. Eating locally sourced food also protects farmland, and land which might otherwise be developed for industrial or commercial use.
Support local entrepreneurs
Through supporting your local businesses, you are helping to support local entrepreneurs. Through more people choosing the smaller, local option over the larger chain businesses it is allowing more entrepreneurs to get their foot in the door. Independent businesses are run by people – not by boards, stockholders, or algorithms.
“You should support local independent businesses because they don’t run on the same budgets as big chains, and they are more in need of your support. When you buy from a local business, you’ll often be helping out an individual or a family who have started their business from scratch and grown it from the ground up.” – Kacie from www.therarewelshbit.com
When you shop local you support local people
Support local charities
Buying locally means that you are supporting your own community in more ways than you think. This is because many local businesses support local charities. By shopping locally you are helping to increase the number of local donations. Of course, large chain companies do support charities, and there is no right or wrong one to support, but if you would prefer to help support a local one then buying locally is a great way of doing this.
Keep the cost of Council Tax down
Local governments often provide tax incentives to entice nationally-owned companies to their communities. However, if these corporations are paying less in taxes it means that local residents are paying more. But, when you buy from local companies it lessens individual tax burdens and creates up to 75% more in tax revenues for your community.
Local businesses = better deals
Big companies often sell products at a suggested rate based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Whereas, locally owned businesses are more flexible when pricing their products and often more invested in maintaining their reputation within the community. A bit of healthy competition between local businesses will help to keep prices low. Bigger chain companies with a monopoly hold over an area can dictate whatever prices they want. No local competition = higher prices.
“I live in a wonderful small “urban village” area of London where we have all the traditional food shops as well as a lovely florist and a few ethical clothing and home decor shops. By choosing to support them, I find I’m ending up with less plastic packaging at home and usually end up spending a bit less on my weekly shop because there’s far less opportunity for impulse shopping than when I go to the big superstores.” – Kelly from www.sissiboonutrition.com
Ways to support local businesses
Now we’ve discussed the many advantages of shopping local, here are some of the ways you can support local businesses:
- Shop local: Whenever possible, choose to shop at local shops instead of large chains or online.
- Buy local products: Choose products made or grown locally.
- Eat at local restaurants: Opt for locally-owned restaurants and cafes over national chains.
- Use local services: Utilise local service providers for things like auto repair and home maintenance.
- Attend local events: Support local events, fairs, and festivals.
- Participate in community activities: Join community groups, workshops, or clubs.
- Leave positive reviews: Write positive reviews and share your experiences with local businesses.
- Spread the word: Recommend local businesses to friends and family.
- Volunteer: Offer your time or resources to local non-profit organisations within your local area.
- Advocate for local policies: Get involved in local government to advocate for local businesses.
- Educate yourself: Learn about the challenges facing local businesses in your area and support efforts to address them, such as advocating for fair zoning regulations or participating in local business associations.
DO MORE GOOD, ADD THESE TO YOUR READING LIST
Good Causes You Can Support for Free
Ethical Investments An Easy Guide
22 Ways to Save Money and the Environment
Earn £50 Switch to Renewable Energy
Hopefully, this post will inspire you to support your local businesses! I’d love to know how you’re supporting independent business owners in the comments section! Small business owners – I want to hear about your business – share what you do at @beemoneysavvy