Promoting Local Business
By Kelsey Holmes, Greenheart Club Program Assistant
The word “local” is defined as belonging or relating to a particular area or neighborhood. But what exactly does that mean for business? Today’s consumers have seemingly endless options when it comes to deciding where to purchase things like food, clothing, and other goods, which is why it’s so important to know where your purchases are coming from.
Economic opportunity, the creation of jobs and ability of individuals to contribute to society and work towards a better future, is an essential aspect of community development all over the world. Local businesses provide goods and services to the local citizens while at the same time offering employment opportunities and paving the way for sustainable development within the community.
Promoting local business is one of the best ways to vitalize the economy of a community and promote its development. Investing time and effort into your community is extremely important, but why not take it a step further and invest monetarily in the economic success of local business? Watch the video below to see what a big impact shopping locally can have on a community:
Buying local is an effective way to support business and economic growth in your community – see exactly how your purchase is positively impacting your community here:
Shopping local supports the community economy; and the impact of shifting even a small portion of your purchases to local business can make a big difference. Consider that of every $100 you spend, $68 of that purchase at a local business will go back into your community, as opposed to just $48 of a purchase made at a national chain.
Purchasing locally also yields environmental benefits especially when it comes to buying local food. Sustainable, local agriculture is healthier, uses less environmentally harmful practices, and reduces environmental impact by decreasing transportation needs.
What are some ways that you can support local business in your community?