12 Ways to Support Small + Local Businesses

Small businesses are the mainstay in our economy and it’s important now, more than ever, to show support to small and local businesses. These shops, eateries and offices make up the fabric of our communities! Here are our favourite ways to shop around and help small businesses this year. 

1. Pay full price: If you can afford it, pay full price when you shop small. Small biz owners are putting so much time and resources into making everything ‘just so’, discounts most likely impact them more than you know!
2. Leave a review: Leave a positive Facebook, Google or TripAdvisor review of your favourite restaurant, hair salon or gift shop. It helps them, and it costs nothing for you!
3. Go online: A lot of service-based businesses are now offering their services online. Take a yoga class or cooking class online, American Express will give reward points for shopping with your local small businesses, you can use a small business finder HERE, don’t forget to spread the word of your experiences!
4. Show some social media love: Follow small businesses on social media, comment on their posts, save their content, subscribe to their newsletters. It’s 100% free and helps get the word out by increasing their reach.
5. Shop local, shop small: This season, near is dear! Buy gifts from local shops and restaurants, buy gift cards from businesses in your area or search local sellers on Etsy
6. Commit to doing one small thing for a favoured small business each week, whether it’s a purchase or a shout-out. 
7. 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.
8. Order to go:Many restaurants are now offering the opportunity to collect your orders to take home. Some popular delivery services also have reduced their fees to encourage customers to continue ordering out.
9. Work out: with home gym equipment and online classes.  Investigate buying equipment from online small businesses or support your local gym by purchasing online classes.
10. Shop now for later:You can support small businesses by improving their cash flow now. Think about gifts, birthdays, or other purchases that you can buy now and give later.
11. Take up a new project:Whether it’s redecorating a room or trying out a new DIY project, support small businesses by buying their products and decor and start getting creative!
12. Consider small before the big businesses:When you are doing your normal online shopping, before hitting purchase think about if the items in your basket could be bought from a small business. Always be mindful and take that extra second to see if you could be supporting small businesses.

When you support small businesses, you are fostering a thriving economy and community. The next time you indulge in some shopping, consider these tips to help those small businesses continue to thrive!