KEEP YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HEART LIVES, SUPPORT AN ECONOMY OF FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS, AND BUILD A COMMUNITY THAT THRIVES BY THINKING LOCAL FIRST.

Small-scale, locally owned businesses create communities that are more prosperous, connected, and generally better off across a wide range of metrics. When we buy from independent, locally owned businesses, rather than national chains, a significantly greater portion of our money is then cycled back through our local economy — to make purchases from our friends’ businesses, to aid our neighbours in need, and to support our local farms — ultimately strengthening the base of our whole community.

READ THE ECONOMIC IMPACT SUMMARIES

REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

26%

FEWER AUTOMOBILE MILES

Residents of neighbourhoods with more local businesses log 26 percent fewer automobile miles.

Locally owned businesses make more local purchases — requiring less transportation — and set up shop in town or city centers which generally means less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution.

KEEP OUR COMMUNITY UNIQUE

One-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinct character of our place. It’s what distinguishes the uniqueness of our community compared to a chain store that looks the same anywhere else.

SUPPORT COMMUNITY GROUPS

250%

MORE DONATIONS

Small businesses donate almost 2.5x more per employee to local charitable causes than large, national competitors.

Local businesses donate more per sales dollar to local nonprofits, events, and teams compared to national chains.

CREATE MORE LOCAL OWNERSHIP & GOOD JOBS

90%

NET NEW JOBS

Up to 90 percent of net new jobs in the U.S. are created by locally owned businesses.

Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents. Let’s encourage more start-ups!

GET BETTER SERVICE

Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know their clients, customers, and patrons.

INVEST IN COMMUNITY

$68

REMAINS HERE

For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $68 recirculates and remains in our local economy. Only $43 remains in our community when it’s spent at a national chain.

Local businesses are owned by your friends and neighbours who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in our community’s future — just like you.

BETTER SELECTION FOR YOU

Small businesses that select products based not on a national sales plan, but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantee a much broader range of product choices and prices.

BETTER PUBLIC SERVICES

Local businesses mean a stronger tax base and better use of public services compared to nationally owned stores. This translates into better schools, transportation, and emergency response services for you and your family.

ENCOURAGE LOCAL PROSPERITY

Entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that promote their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character. This also means better use of community space.