You might not realize it, but every time you pick up a coffee at your local café, grab lunch at a mom-and-pop shop, or buy a new record from a local store, you’re making an impact in your community. In fact, for every dollar spent at a small business in the U.S., approximately 67 cents stays in the local community.1

We all have a favorite small business we can’t imagine living without. However, fewer small businesses are opening and staying open. To be successful requires an abundance of grit, passion, determination, and most importantly support from the community! Here are just a few more reasons to shop local…

1. Local Economic Stimulus. When you shop at a locally owned business rather than a nationally owned store, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often employ local workers at a decent wage, purchase from other local businesses, service providers, and farms. Shopping local helps grow other businesses as well as the local tax base.

2. Non-profits Receive Greater Support. Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners.

3. Unique Businesses Create Character & Prosperity. The unique character of Graham is defined in large part by the businesses that locate here and that plays a big part in residents overall satisfaction with where they live as well as the value of their property. 

4. Most New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses. Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally. Plus the more jobs in our community the less people have to commute which means more time and less traffic.

5. Better Customer Service. Local businesses often hire people with more specific expertise for better customer service. You also have an opportunity to build relationships with a local business that enhance your shopping experience. 

6. Local Business Owners Invest In Community. Local businesses are owned by people who live in Graham, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s welfare and future.

7. You Matter More. All businesses attempt to respond to their customers but your values and desires are much more influential to your local community businesses than the large big box stores.

Next time you go out on the town, remember your purchasing choices, or “voting with your wallet” has a big influence over future of Graham! 

 1. Estimate from data on businesses with under 100 employees, as reported in Amex-commissioned 2018 Small Business Economic Impact Study

Want to find out about local businesses in Graham? Check out the Graham Area Business Association website!