Good Reasons to KEEP IT LOCAL
Together we can change the mindset of the nation
Supporting Local Businesses Supports YOUR Local Communities
It’s no secret that small local businesses now more than ever need our support to survive. By unlocking the power of community, local authorities can create more responsive services that reduce long-term costs and invest in the local economy.
Buying local benefits everyone in our communities, and it’s time to seize this golden opportunity to integrate the old ways of yesterday with the present, to improve our communities and overall global society in a positive and more self-reliant way. So, grab your (reusable) grocery bags and dive into the 5 advantages of why it is so important to buy local.
Community Identity
Your community has its own unique character and charm, made up of small businesses who all contribute to a community’s identity.
Staying engaged with local businesses, whether that is online or offline, means a greater sense of community where you can create lasting friendships and connections with people whilst being held accountable for local actions such as keeping your community alive in these challenging times.
Environmental Benefits
Pedestrian-friendly town centres have their own unique vibe – and demonstrable environmental benefits. For example, small businesses clustered near residential areas may reduce car use and traffic congestion, resulting in better air quality.
Also buying from local businesses means products, overall, have less travel time – all of the energy that is used to transport products contributes to global warming – meaning it could make a world of difference in limiting the use of fossil fuels.
Local Wealth
When local residents shop at small businesses within their communities, their money stays within the local economy, helping to improve their community, as a result.
Likewise, local small businesses tend to buy locally as well, pumping more of the profits from their economic activity back into the community than their big name brand counterparts, sparking economic development.
Innovation & Competition
Small businesses need to stand out from the crowd in order to survive. They must serve a legitimate need in the community and do it better than their competitors. Having multiple businesses all striving to be unique, innovative, and better can result in a healthy marketplace and well-served customers.
Local Jobs
Small businesses are job creators, and most of those jobs are local jobs. Rather than having to commute to another city, employees work closer to home. Supporting local businesses also helps your fellow community members who work at them.
When a community has a vibrant commercial centre, it also creates ample opportunities for these workers to shop at other local small businesses such as when they grab lunch or dinner from local food outlets or run errands on their break. This keeps money local and further creates a tight-knit community vibe.