In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the convenience of large corporations and chain stores. With their vast inventories and quick delivery systems, it can seem like buying from them is the easiest and most efficient way to shop. But have you ever stopped to think about the far-reaching effects of supporting local, small businesses? In Canada, small businesses are the heart of our economy, and every purchase you make from them, no matter how small, has a profound impact.
Here’s why it’s important to support these locally run businesses and how even one single purchase can make a big difference.
Strengthening the Local Economy
When you buy from a small business, the money stays within the community. Local entrepreneurs typically spend their earnings locally, investing in other services, products, and jobs in the area. This creates a cycle of economic growth that larger corporations can’t replicate. Small businesses hire locally, use local suppliers, and contribute to the local tax base, which helps fund community services such as schools, parks, and roads.
In fact, some studies show that for every $100 spent at a local small business, approximately $68 stays within the community. In comparison, only $43 stays local when spent at a large chain.
Creating Jobs and Supporting Families
Small businesses are a significant source of employment in Canada. They create more than 70% of all new jobs in the private sector. The people who work at these businesses are often your neighbours, friends, or even family members. By supporting small businesses, you’re not just helping a company survive, you’re helping families thrive.
When you make a purchase, you’re contributing to someone’s livelihood, supporting entrepreneurs, and helping keep more people employed. In a time when many Canadians are seeking job stability, the importance of keeping local businesses strong cannot be overstated.
Promoting Unique, High-Quality Products
Small businesses are known for offering unique products and personalized services that larger chains simply can’ match. Whether it’s artisanal foods, handcrafted goods, or one-of-a-kind clothing, small businesses often provide something special; products that can’t be found on the shelves of a big-box store.
By supporting them, you’re helping to preserve local craftsmanship, innovation, and diversity. These businesses are the creative backbone of our society, introducing fresh ideas, cultural diversity, and rich heritage to the marketplace.
Building a Sense of Community
Local businesses are the backbone of our neighbourhoods. They are places where people gather, share stories, and build connections. A coffee shop, bookstore, or bakery often becomes a hub for conversation and creativity, giving people a place to connect outside of work or school.
When you shop locally, you’re contributing to the character of your community. You’re helping to ensure that your town or city retains its uniqueness, offering spaces where relationships can be built and memories made. Your support keeps small businesses afloat, and in turn, they become integral parts of your community’s identity.
Environmental Benefits
Small businesses often have a lower environmental impact compared to large corporations. They tend to source products locally, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping. They may also use fewer packaging materials and operate on a smaller scale, contributing to less waste and a lower environmental impact overall.
By supporting small businesses, you’re also making an environmentally conscious decision that promotes sustainability, reduces the need for overproduction, and encourages local sourcing.
The Power of One Purchase
It might seem like your individual purchase won’t make much of a difference, but it truly does. For small businesses, every sale counts. A single purchase can help cover overhead costs, pay a staff member, or contribute to expanding inventory. More importantly, it sends a message to the business owner that their hard work is valued.
Many small business owners pour their heart and soul into their work, and knowing that their customers believe in what they do is incredibly rewarding. A single purchase is more than just a transaction, it’s an act of encouragement and support that keeps their dream alive.
Creating Long-Term Growth
Small businesses are constantly striving to grow, adapt, and provide better products and services. When you support them, you’re investing in their potential to grow. This might mean expanding their product line, improving their space, hiring more employees, or even opening new locations.
The impact of your continued support extends beyond that single purchase. By supporting a small business, you’re helping it to build long-term sustainability, which means it can continue to serve you and your community for years to come.
Make the Change Today
When you choose to support a small, locally-run Canadian business, you’re making a lasting impact. You’re strengthening your community, boosting the local economy, creating jobs, and promoting a more sustainable future. It’s easy to forget the power of a single purchase, but it’s often the small actions that have the greatest effect.
So, the next time you’re in the market for something new, consider stopping by your favourite local store, gift shop, cafe, or boutique. Whether it’s a handmade scarf, a loaf of fresh bread, candle, or a cup of locally roasted coffee, remember that your choice matters. Support small businesses, and you’ll help them grow and, in turn, help your entire community thrive. Check out the Joyful Home Gift Studio located in Lively, On, where you will find so many locally made products. Here you can support so many small businesses in on place.