5 Ways to Foster Community Building by Supporting Small Businesses.
Updated: Jan 13, 2022
Technology has been a major factor in the decline of community building. But have you ever considered the impact technology has had on small businesses? Small businesses can’t compete with big boxes, and their doors continue to close. As a result, these communities lose some of their unique flavor and character. The more we support these small businesses, the more we can improve our own communities. Here are five ways to show your support for small businesses that will help build community.
How Technology Has Affected Communities
Technology has provided convenience and connectivity, but it's also had a major negative impact on communities. It’s not just big boxes that are closing. Many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat. This is largely due to the advent of technology. Technology has allowed consumers to buy anywhere, anytime—and most people choose convenience over community when making purchases.
Small businesses can't compete with large corporations with deep pockets, which means they're losing out on lots of revenue. And with many small stores shutting their doors for good, these communities lose some of their flavor and character. So what can you do to help? There are five easy ways to show your support for small businesses and rebuild your community:
1) Shop at Local Businesses
2) Pick Up the Phone
3) Keep Your Money Local
4) Teach Your Kids About Local Shops
5) Spread the Word
How Technology Has Affected Small Businesses
Small businesses have a hard time staying afloat in an industry dominated by the big boxes. From a lack of resources to a lack of visibility, it’s no wonder why so many small businesses close their doors every year. Sadly, the decline in small business often leads to a decline in communities, too. The more we support these small businesses, the more we can improve our own communities. Here are five ways to show your support for small businesses that will help build community:
1) Shop Small - Shopping at small businesses is good for both your wallet and the local economy. Supporting your neighbors is also a great way to build community!
2) Patronize Small Businesses in Your Neighborhood - Shopping at local businesses in your neighborhood makes you feel like you're connecting with people you know and understand. Plus, when you use your money locally, it stays in your area instead of going out-of-state or overseas.
3) Support Local Businesses Online - Buying from online stores that are based locally helps keep money local. In turn, this helps grow our communities by supporting the people who live near us. Like and share the posts of your favorite small businesses on social media and use their hash tags to help them be found wider online.
4) Refer Small Businesses You Know - Share information about your favorite small business with friends and family. Remember to give online reviews for the places you love and wish to stay around and thrive in your neighborhoods! Positive online reviews can mean much more than you know to many small businesses. Give them a shout out to tell them how much they mean to you.
How You Can Help Support Small Businesses
1. Shop Local
It’s obvious that small businesses are more in tune with the needs of their communities because they live and work there. When you shop at a local establishment, you’re not only supporting the business in your community, but also in the community where it's located. This will help keep these communities vibrant and alive.
2. Include Local Businesses in Your Gift Giving
When buying gifts for friends and family, try to buy local instead of big-box retailers if possible. It'll support your community while bringing smiles to all those on your list.
3. Subscribe to Local Newspapers
Not only will this help sustain your community newspaper, but you might also get some great coupons for small businesses near you! Plus, it will allow you to stay up-to-date on what's happening in your area that may need your assistance—like fundraising efforts or volunteering opportunities.
4. Have Your Child's Birthday Party at a Local Business
Birthdays are often celebrated with cake and ice cream at home or at an expensive party venue like Chuck E Cheese or Dave & Busters; make this year different by having it at a local business like Starbucks or Toys
The Importance of Giving Back to Your Community
The decline in small businesses can be attributed to a number of factors, but one of the most prominent is the rise of big-box stores. These stores offer a wide variety of products and services at a lower cost to consumers. As a result, small local businesses are often unable to compete with these large corporations. In addition, when one business closes, it can have a negative impact on the community as a whole. With each store's closure comes the loss of jobs and tax revenue for the community. Fortunately, there are ways we can support small businesses and help sustain our communities:
Conclusion
The communities around us are changing, and it's time to change, too. The power to support small businesses is in our hands. Here are 5 ways and more that you can give back to your community by supporting small businesses.
https://www.uschamber.com/small-business/shopping-small-benefits-more-than-just-local-businesses
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/negative-effects-of-technology
https://www.elpassion.com/blog/positive-negative-impact-of-tech-on-society
https://www.bctv.org/2019/11/07/technological-influence-on-society/
