Supporting Small Biz

“Vote with your wallet” is true, but like a lot of sayings, the weight gets lost after a while.

And, at the same time, there are a couple of times each year where we can really make an impact for small business.

Now is one.

In 2020, a lot of the small business sector was really challenged (and continues to be), while the industrial retail giants such as Amazon saw in huge gains (Amazon increased it’s valuation by over $520 billion, to $1.4 trillion, just this year)

But small business and creators are at the heart of a better future. Not only does this sector support local families, but also creates innovation, diversity and a reinvestment back into local artists, designers and creatives. This is the foundation of a vibrant and healthy culture.

Here are a couple of swap out ideas to help your local businesses.

1. Books – Go to your local book store a little early – if they don’t have stock of what you’re after, they should be able to get it by Christmas. Grab a coffee while you’re there (for the consumer, unfortunately this is really one of the only edges that a local bookstore can have over online retailers)
2. Gyms, yoga studios or clubs – give the gift of a membership or voucher with local trainers and coaches. There are also a ton of niche online coaches, trainers and teachers now globally that you can support for almost any skill you want to learn.
3. Food – instead of packaged candy canes and cheap chocolate from the supermarket, check out local fruit and veggie box deliveries, or local chocolatiers.
4. Clothes – There are plenty of small business options now that have a sustainable approach to manufacturing, that also feature local artists or designers.

The mainstream finds joy in speed, price reductions and convenience.

And, the future of small business is largely in the hands of those who are looking for something unique, something a little slower, or who appreciate being a part of a culture that is working hard to make things better.

Yes, the “vote” takes more effort and awareness, but for people like you and me, it’s worth it.