BUY LOCAL = JOBS!

CHOOSE LOCALS FIRST!

Community Benefits & Features


Every local community should foster a business environment that sustainably supports its local market and independent businesses. Beyond empowering individual businesses, we’re committed to providing the tools, support, and technology that strengthens the community as a whole.

A GUIDE TO HELPING YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY THRIVE

Buy Local Campaigns that Shift Culture and Spending

Despite the growing challenges posed by large competitors and online shopping, many cities have responded successfully to help

their local businesses thrive by launching public education campaigns that persuade local customers, visitors, businesses, and institutions like schools and governments to “think local first.” Many of these initiatives are shifting more dining, purchasing, contracting, and even investing to local entrepreneurs and independent businesses.

  1. Of course, retailers are among the businesses most directly impacted by both chain and online competition. They are also often the most visible, and they may be among the easiest to recruit for your campaign. But retailers comprise a minority of businesses, and they will be better served by a broader and more powerful campaign than one focused narrowly on shopping. To build a strong and well-funded effort, you’ll want to engage restaurants, print shops, farmers, accountants, artists and countless others who may not feel included by a shopping bag logo or urgings to “shop local.” This is why a majority of thriving groups choose names using inclusive language like “Go Local,” “Local First,” or “Independent Business Alliance*” paired with their community name.
  2. Also, be aware many independent businesses don’t have storefronts (about half of all businesses are home-based!) Consciously referencing agriculture, crafts, home-based businesses, internet-based businesses and others will ensure your message serves all local independents. 
  3. A few “true believers” may support your campaign financially out of altruism, but most business owners will need to see evidence of your impact to earn their continued financial support or engagement. In addition to effectively advocating for local independents and driving public education in the community, be sure to articulate clearly how that work translates into concrete benefits for your constituency. For example, don’t just tell business members they get to use your logo in their window and website. Calculate the number of impressions created by your entire membership, remind them how your pro-local brand reaches a broader audience than any individual business can, and how brand awareness creates familiarity that makes customers more willing to try an unfamiliar business. 
  4. Well-defined, organized and sustained public education campaigns have proven their ability to shift local culture and spending.     In the most recent survey of more than 3,000 business owners, independent business in communities with a long-term “buy local and independent campaign” reported average revenue growth of 7.4%, nearly double the 4.2% increase for independent businesses not served by such efforts.“ "

Buy Local, Create Jobs!!

70%

of every dollar spent at a local business stays in the community.

3x

more jobs are created when you support local businesses compared to national chains.

50%

of local businesses report that community support is crucial for their survival.

1.5 million

jobs are generated annually by small businesses in the U.S.

The Economic Multiplier Effect

Understanding the economic multiplier effect is crucial for fostering local growth. When you support independent businesses in your community, the benefits extend far beyond the initial transaction.

 Each dollar spent locally circulates within the community, creating jobs, enhancing services, and boosting overall economic health.

This interconnectedness not only strengthens local economies but also builds a resilient community that can thrive in a globalized world.

1.5

For every dollar spent at a local business, approximately $1.50 is generated in local economic activity.

3

Local businesses create three times more jobs than their chain counterparts, significantly contributing to employment in the community.

67%

Studies show that 67% of consumers prefer to shop at local businesses, highlighting the importance of community support.

30%

Communities that prioritize local spending see a 30% increase in economic growth compared to those that do not.

Find Locals Here advocates your community to "chooses local first", if you can't find it there, check with your locally owned franchises, if you can't find it there, check with your local chain stores. Make shopping online, out of the area the last option for purchase decisions.