Benefits of supporting local businesses

Benefits of supporting local businesses

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Local businesses are at the heart of every community. If you’ve lived in the same place for a long time, there’s a good chance you love the local businesses and the people behind them. Unfortunately, without supporting local businesses, this might change. Year by year, more and more headlines announce the closure of local businesses. It’s painful to watch. The restaurants and shops we love are disappearing faster than ever. It is up to us to make sure this doesn’t continue.

The benefits of supporting local businesses

Improving the local economy

Supporting local businesses means a lot more money stays in the community than buying from a chain store. Local entrepreneurs in particular know how important it is to shop locally. Therefore, if they need supplies for their business, they are very likely to buy from a local company if they can.

The companies in the chain tend to relate to the companies and drain money from our local economy. Local businesses also help the economy by creating local jobs and sometimes offering better wages than chains.

You know exactly where your money is going

When you support local businesses, you can be sure that your money will go to hard working people and some of their profits will go directly to their businesses.

Local companies depend on transparency and the trust of their customers. You can discuss exactly what is in a product before you decide to buy it. Smaller brands also tend to make their product details simpler. For example, many large companies avoid talking about the conditions in which their manufacturers operate.

An honest relationship between the brand and the customer is so important. With more transparency, you will understand more clearly how you want to spend your money.

You witness unique experiences

One of the best perks of supporting local businesses is product exclusivity. Local stores are unique in this area and you will not find these products anywhere else.

Local businesses can also offer you unique experiences. Enjoy a drink and live music in your local bar or pick apples in the nearby orchard. There are so many fun activities that you can only experience in your own back yard.

Local companies, on the other hand, attach great importance to their customers. Their satisfaction means so much to them because they understand the worth of each individual. If you have concerns about their product or service, or just aren’t happy with the outcome, they’re much more likely to be willing to listen and improve their business. When it comes to local businesses, you matter most.

You will help provide better lives for the people in your community

Small business owners use whatever they have. Often times, they sacrifice everything in the hope that one day they will be able to provide for their families or make their dreams come true. So much hard work and dedication goes into any small business.

Unlike large companies that have a ton of cash and the people who support them, small businesses often start with one person who has to start the business themselves. By supporting local businesses, you are helping to provide your neighbors with more income, support and stability.

Buying local products helps the local economy

Local businesses will likely benefit your local economy. When you shop locally, you are truly supporting local businesses whether you realize it or not.

For example, your local farmers’ market sources from local farmers. Or maybe they had panels from an independent artist. The artist may have bought his paints and brushes from a local store. As you can see, this list goes on and on and an endless chain of support has been created. When you support locally, you support everyone around you.

Local businesses create more jobs

When supporting local businesses, you give businesses more resources and opportunities to hire help. The more successful a small business is, the more help it will need and the more jobs it can offer its community.

All of a sudden, so many new doors open up for avid job seekers. If you don’t have a lot of work experience, small businesses recognize your potential and are ready to give you a chance.

In those times, finding a job was extremely difficult and stressful. COVID has wiped out many job opportunities and new graduates are struggling to get their foot in the door. If we continue to support local businesses, we will not only create more jobs for those who need them, but also help inspire future entrepreneurs.

Buying local products is good for the environment

Many of us have heard of the environmental issues facing fast fashion brands. Companies are more focused on the speed of production than the quality of the product. As a result, an abundance of textiles are thrown into the landfill every year.

Chances are your local store doesn’t produce tons of collections from one factory. Many pieces are handcrafted and carefully selected. Even though there is a smaller selection, you’ll be happy to know that your purchase is much more durable than buying from fast fashion companies.

Other environmental benefits of local businesses include: less fossil fuel burning due to local resource sourcing, less waste due to minimal packaging, and more fresh produce for the people in your community.

Other ways to support local businesses  

Fortunately, if you can’t afford or just aren’t interested in buying what some of your local businesses are selling, there are other ways you can show your support.

The easiest way to get support is by following your local businesses on social media. If you want to go further, share your projects on your social platforms and promote the products you absolutely love.

Even if their products aren’t for you, they can be great for someone you know. For these companies, speaking up is just as important as they are relying on new, loyal customers.

Conclusion

Local businesses not only build a stronger economy, they also build a stronger community. Small business relationships are important in creating a cohesive and welcoming community identity, with businesses supporting one another.

If you would like to become a Leolly Partner and have your businesses listed on the website, please apply here.

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To support local businesses, visit leolly.com

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