Local businesses are the backbone of our communities, preserving our unique culture and providing economic stability. As our founder Bill Guss once said, “Small business is the engine of society.” When we support small business, we’re supporting our neighbors, families, friends, and community as a whole. Here are five reasons why supporting local matters.
Foster Community
One of the most meaningful reasons to shop locally is to support the dreams of our local community members. When you shop at a small business, you’re helping to sustain the livelihoods of your neighbors and strengthen the place you call home, through both the good times and the tough ones. By choosing small businesses, you’re backing real, passionate individuals who have prioritized their dreams and are deeply committed to their work.
Economic impact
By choosing to shop local, you directly contribute to your local economy. The tax revenue from local business sales cycle money back into your community. Local businesses also reinvest into their communities in a variety of ways such as making in-kind and monetary donations to local non-profits, offering discounts to certain groups within the community, and supporting other small businesses as customers or suppliers. Studies have shown that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in the community, compared to only $43 for non-local businesses.
Job Opportunities
Small businesses create jobs for local residents and contribute to neighborhood financial stability. According to the 2023 small business profile created by the Small Business Administration, 33.3 million businesses in the United States qualify as small businesses and employ 45.9% of all US employees.
Local Culture and Traditions
Hawaiʻi is known for its rich culture and traditions, and many local businesses, passed down through generations, play a crucial role in preserving this heritage. To thrive amidst big-business competition, small business owners have become creative entrepreneurs, tailoring their offering to meet the demands of the local market and amplifying the uniqueness of our community with products and services not found anywhere else.
Environmental sustainability
Supporting local business typically also means supporting the environment. Consumers who shop locally reduce shipping emissions therefore reducing their environmental footprint. Additionally, small businesses often source their materials from nearby suppliers. For example, restaurants that buy in-season products from local farms rather than shipping in products from thousands of miles away.
By supporting small businesses and buying local whenever possible, you can make a significant difference in the lives of local owners, employees, and residents, and you might just uncover a new business that enriches your life. There are also many ways to support a local business beyond making purchases, such as promoting them on social media, spreading the word to friends, volunteering, donating money or goods, or leaving positive reviews. These actions can help small businesses thrive in the competitive market. Don’t forget to support the businesses you love and discover new ones to back!
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.
Local businesses are the backbone of our communities, preserving our unique culture and providing economic stability. As our founder Bill Guss once said, “Small business is the engine of society.” When we support small business, we’re supporting our neighbors, families, friends, and community as a whole. Here are five reasons why supporting local matters.
Foster Community
One of the most meaningful reasons to shop locally is to support the dreams of our local community members. When you shop at a small business, you’re helping to sustain the livelihoods of your neighbors and strengthen the place you call home, through both the good times and the tough ones. By choosing small businesses, you’re backing real, passionate individuals who have prioritized their dreams and are deeply committed to their work.
Economic impact
By choosing to shop local, you directly contribute to your local economy. The tax revenue from local business sales cycle money back into your community. Local businesses also reinvest into their communities in a variety of ways such as making in-kind and monetary donations to local non-profits, offering discounts to certain groups within the community, and supporting other small businesses as customers or suppliers. Studies have shown that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in the community, compared to only $43 for non-local businesses.
Job Opportunities
Small businesses create jobs for local residents and contribute to neighborhood financial stability. According to the 2023 small business profile created by the Small Business Administration, 33.3 million businesses in the United States qualify as small businesses and employ 45.9% of all US employees.
Local Culture and Traditions
Hawaiʻi is known for its rich culture and traditions, and many local businesses, passed down through generations, play a crucial role in preserving this heritage. To thrive amidst big-business competition, small business owners have become creative entrepreneurs, tailoring their offering to meet the demands of the local market and amplifying the uniqueness of our community with products and services not found anywhere else.
Environmental sustainability
Supporting local business typically also means supporting the environment. Consumers who shop locally reduce shipping emissions therefore reducing their environmental footprint. Additionally, small businesses often source their materials from nearby suppliers. For example, restaurants that buy in-season products from local farms rather than shipping in products from thousands of miles away.
By supporting small businesses and buying local whenever possible, you can make a significant difference in the lives of local owners, employees, and residents, and you might just uncover a new business that enriches your life. There are also many ways to support a local business beyond making purchases, such as promoting them on social media, spreading the word to friends, volunteering, donating money or goods, or leaving positive reviews. These actions can help small businesses thrive in the competitive market. Don’t forget to support the businesses you love and discover new ones to back!
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.