When We Support Local Businesses, Everyone Wins

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On a daily basis, I have the opportunity to talk to small business owners. There’s often a thread that ties these conversations together, linking even the unlikeliest of entities together. The thread is complex, woven together with challenges, excitement, and most inspiring (in my opinion, at least) passion. A passion that these owners have for not only their business but a strong desire to give back to the community.

I have so much admiration for individuals and families who pour their time, savings, and livelihood into the American dream of owning a business. Owning a business means a lot of things; flexibility, bags of cash, and unlimited vacation time is not one of them. Small business owners work day in and day out, oftentimes seven days a week, to ensure that their clients, customers, and employees are satisfied. There’s selflessness that goes into running a business that is humbling. Every business owner is truly the chief cook and bottle washer – and in many cases silently and with a smile.

We’ve all walked down streets lined with the hustle and bustle of people popping in and out of shops and restaurants. It’s the businesses on those streets that create an ambiance and attract residents and tourists into those areas. This is what every municipality strives for from Merrimack Street in Downtown Lowell to Chelmsford Center.

It’s our job, as a community, to support and celebrate local businesses. They are the ones taking a leap of faith – a leap I admire with every fiber of my being. When shopping for holiday gifts, booking a family function or searching for a particular service for your home, make a conscious decision to use the “local guy or gal.”

Why?

Because it’s the local businesses that are fueling our economy and when the local economy is doing well, everyone in the community wins.

Local businesses:

• Create jobs: When small business owners hire locally, they are ensuring that our family members, friends, and neighbors can make a living. When someone has the resources to live comfortably, they are able to spend money in our region. This is a beautiful circle that helps communities thrive.
• Add uniqueness and charm to their neighborhood: There’s nothing like walking into a local restaurant or retailer. Their products, services, and personality add to the local landscape and create a destination not only for residents but the region and tourists too.
• Produce locally made products and services: There’s something so satisfying about purchasing a locally produced product or service. If you support “Made in America,” you can’t get more authentic than shopping at a mom-and-pop shop in your city or town.
• Play a role in the identity of the community: Local businesses play a huge role in a community’s identity. They serve as landmarks, meeting places, and a significant source of community pride.
• Support local organizations: Local businesses sponsor youth baseball teams, donate gift certificates to community nonprofits, and host fundraisers. They chose our community to open their business (and invest their time and money) so they inherently care and want to make our region a great place to live, work and play.
• Are involved in the community: Local business owners and their employees sit on boards, help plan community events and festivals and belong to the local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and Business Association. They are invested and involved.
• Generate Tax Revenue: Business owners pay taxes to the city or town in which they are located. This creates a bigger tax base that will benefit our communities.

Now that you are as excited about supporting local businesses as I am, I challenge you to do three things:

• Patronize a local business this week and thank the owner (oh, and buy something too!).
• Write a review for one of your favorite local businesses on Facebook or Google.
• Make a conscious effort to shop local this holiday season.