Across British Columbia, small businesses form the backbone of our communities. They are neighbours helping neighbours and friends, providing valuable community services. Without them, our towns and villages would lose their unique charm.
It’s often referenced that for every $100 we spend at a local small business, approximately $70 stays within our local economy. This money supports local employment and benefits our communities in several tangible ways. Your dollars have so much power to do good. Next time you’re shopping, consider spending at local small businesses. Your community will reap the rewards.
5 Benefits of Shopping Local
1. Improve Your Local Economy
Shopping locally ensures that most of your money remains within your local economy. Supporting these businesses also works to support the local economy in another, less obvious manner. The more successful local businesses are, the stronger the tax base in your community. This means more money for public services like schools, transportation, and recreation.
2. Personalized Service
Each small business owner has poured countless hours of effort into growing their business. When you shop with them, it’s a powerful validation of this effort, and they will go the extra mile to ensure you return. The smaller size of local businesses allows them to devote extra time to each customer. They care about you and are invested in playing their part in the well-being of their local community.
3. Find Unique Products
When you shop at a large chain store, the products you buy are likely uniform across Canada. Local businesses carry unique products and services you won’t find anywhere else. These products are stocked based on the interests and needs of the local community the business serves. Often, these products are created by local artists, makers, or other small businesses.
4. Higher Quality Products
Whether it’s a farmer’s market or local grocery store, the produce and food on sale locally will be more wholesome and nutritious than a big box store. When possible, it will have been sourced locally. And, in a lot of cases, it will even be organic.
5. A Healthier Way to Shop
We’re all looking for ways to get our steps in each day, right? You are far more likely to walk to your local shops than a larger chain store. Not only is it healthier for your body, it’s also healthier for the environment.
Small Business BC is Here to Help
SBBC is a non-profit resource centre for BC-based small businesses. Whatever your idea of success is, we’re here to provide holistic support and resources at every step of the journey. Check out our range of business webinars, on-demand E-Learning Education, our Talk to an Expert Advisories, or browse our selection of business articles.
