Jennifer DaSilva shares ways to support small businesses, and it's about to get intentional

"When you shop locally, you are casting your vote for your community." In You've Got This this week, founder of?Start Small Think Big ?Jennifer DaSilva? outlines what she's seen helping thousands of small business owners, why shopping locally this holiday season can help make a difference, and her best advice for entrepreneurs. Don't miss her insights below, along with announcing our next guest, host of Friend of a Friend Olivia Perez .

Victoria: "Your past work in partnerships and coordinating volunteer campaigns helped you launch Start Small Think Big in 2010. What are some of the trends you've seen over the years helping thousands of small business owners?"

Jennifer: "Entrepreneurs are some of the gutsiest people you will ever meet. They are survivors! Every entrepreneur has stared disaster in the face, usually more than once. Until COVID-19 came roaring through, shuttering small businesses left and right, we really didn’t talk about that part of the story - but we have to, because how you overcome those setbacks determines if and how you grow. The entrepreneurs with whom Start Small Think Big has had the honor to work are living proof that setbacks, while bruising, do not have to be catastrophic. The problem is that for many entrepreneurs, that’s exactly what they are. And the odds of mounting a comeback are even slimmer for people in marginalized and low-income communities. There’s just no margin for error. That bump in the road is the end of the road. And this is where Start Small Think Big comes in. Because the routine and inevitable challenges of running a business should not be disqualifiers, just because of how much money you have, or who you know. Start Small sets entrepreneurs up for success. We are doing this with more than 4500 entrepreneurs every year, coast to coast. We ensure that all that sweat, hustle and ingenuity shows up on their bottom line.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and this country. And ensuring that all of them have access to the support they need to succeed—that is vital."

Victoria: "Looking ahead to the holiday season, you've put together a?corporate gift guide for businesses that want to give bac k. With Small Business Saturday? coming up this year in the United States on November 27th, what recommendations would you make for individuals that want to make a positive impact with their gifting?"

Jennifer: "It depends on what you have the means to do. Every dollar you spend could help save a small business. So, find a small business—particularly a Black-or Brown-owned brand—and buy stuff from them. That’s so important. This really is one of the most powerful ways you can voice your opinion in this capitalist society.

There is a direct correlation between supporting your local small business and community and economic development. On average, almost half of every purchase at your local small business is recirculated locally (in the form of payroll, goods/services purchased from area businesses, profits spent locally by the owner, or donations to area charities), compared to less than 14 percent of purchases at chain stores. Take the time and spend the money to support local businesses with your presence and your dollars. You really do vote with your wallet. When you shop locally, you are casting your vote for your community ."

Victoria: "What advice and insights would you have for those who want to take the jump into being an entrepreneur or founder?"

Jennifer: "Love what you do - because you’re going to be doing a lot of it.?

"Know your strengths and weaknesses—so you know where to best focus your attention.

Ask for help—and then pay it forward."

Things are going to get scary sometimes—and that’s okay.

You cannot control everyone, and everything around you - build a team, and learn to trust and empower them.

Entrepreneurship = leadership."

Follow Jennifer on LinkedIn.

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Next week's guest: Olivia Perez

I'm looking forward to our next guest, editorial and cultural archeologist Olivia Perez . As a writer, curator, and host of the Friend of a Friend podcast , Olivia interviews a wide variety of voices on her weekly series. With that in mind, here's what I'll be asking Olivia:

• What’s inspired your intentional approach with Friend of a Friend??
• What do you see as the future of content creation and curation?
• For those who may be considering starting their own thing, what advice would you have??

Have a question for Olivia? Ask in the comments below, and thank you for being a part of You've Got This!