Small business has a great impact on the economy and the community. When you support a small business, you have a real impact on your neighbors too. After all, $68 of every $100 spent at a local business will stay in the community; small businesses are more likely to use other local businesses such as banks, service providers, and farms.
Additionally, “From 2000 to 2019, small businesses created 10.5 million net new jobs while large businesses created 5.6 million. This means small businesses account for 65.1% of net new jobs in the US.”
Small businesses also tend to be more accountable and donate more to the local community.
There are many ways to show support for small businesses.
Buy Local
Before you reflexively hit “place order” with an e-commerce behemoth, find out whether a local retailer offers the same item. Independent bookstores, for example, can often order and quickly receive your selection.
Be Social
Help bolster a business’s social media presence by “liking” hardware stores, dry cleaners and other independent shops on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Write positive reviews, post photos generously of purchases, and don’t forget to tag the businesses.
Buy gift cards.
You may not use the gift cards right away, but the revenue from these sales is a huge help to the small business at this critical time. And, it’s a promise that you’ll continue to be a customer later.
Order take-out.
Many restaurants are open for curbside pick-up or delivery. Some popular delivery services also have reduced their fees to encourage customers to continue ordering out.
Don’t forget to tip.
And if you can, tip generously. With lay-offs, reduced hours, and slow sales, service workers need our support too.
Support your local food system.
It’s not just local restaurants — local farms are struggling right now too. Many of our local farms rely on selling their harvests to local buyers such as restaurants and grocers, and promoting their product at farmers markets.
Offer your skills to help small businesses
With many brick and mortar stores having to quickly shift to selling online, businesses need help with online marketing, setting up online stores, delivery, logistics, and other areas. If you have some time and energy to spare, you could consider offering to donate your skills, offer them at a discount, or agree on a trade that suits you both.
Shop Local Grocers
It’s very likely that there are local farmers within your area who need your help. Regardless of where you live, there are probably some great local grocers available to supply you with fresh food from local gardens, farms, and crops.
We have always emphasized the importance of having a good website for your company because it can act as your best tool for marketing and sales. A poorly designed website can repulse people from your business and can cause you to lose customers before you even have them. Get in touch with HyperEffects to work on creating, enhancing, and making the website of your company more user-friendly.