Estimated reading time 7-10 minutes
Table of Contents ▼
Most of us have heard of Small Business Saturday, the shopping event held each year after Thanksgiving that encourages people to support businesses in their local communities. But supporting local businesses doesn’t have to be limited to one day a year.
To learn what makes the biggest difference, we spoke with small business owners and customers about the everyday actions that matter most. Whether it’s shopping at a neighborhood store, leaving a thoughtful review, or recommending a favorite restaurant to a coworker, small actions can make a big difference. Here are 20 easy ways to support local small businesses all year long.
Supporting local small businesses impacts the whole community
Local businesses help shape the communities we live and work in. They create jobs, support neighborhood events, and give our towns and cities much of their personality.
The good news is you don’t have to change all of your shopping habits to make a difference. Shopping local when you can, leaving a thoughtful review, or recommending a favorite business to a friend are all simple ways to show your support.
“Local small businesses foster community bonds by creating jobs and supporting local economies. They often sponsor events, donate to charities, and collaborate with other businesses, enhancing community spirit. By prioritizing customer relationships, they build trust and loyalty, making the community more vibrant and connected.”
– Executive Administrator / Assistant VP, First Federal Community Bank, NA.
Easy ways to support local small businesses
Here are 20 practical ways to make a difference in your community, whether you’re making a purchase or simply helping spread the word about local businesses.
1. Shop local when you can
Start with the purchases you’re already making. Whether it’s gifts, lunch, coffee, or seasonal items, choosing a local business whenever practical helps keep dollars in your community.
2. Leave a positive online review
A thoughtful review helps other people decide whether a business is worth trying. Mention what you purchased, what stood out, and why you’d go back.
“Writing a positive online review can significantly impact a local small business. Reviews build trust and credibility, showing potential clients that others have had good experiences.”
– Quill customer, Administrative Assistant
3. Recommend business to friends, family, and coworkers
Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful ways to help a small business grow. If you find a local business you love, tell your friends, family, and coworkers what makes it worth visiting.
“My favorite way to support small businesses is recommending their business to others. When people shop local, they like to know that others before them have had a positive experience with the business.”
– Secretary, Paul Yeatts Enterprises, Incorporated
4. Follow a local business on social media
Hit the Follow button. You’ll be the first to know about new products, sales, and community events, while helping the business build an active online community that attracts new customers.
5. Like, comment, and share their posts
Every like, comment, save, or share helps a business reach more potential customers. It also keeps the conversation going, creating the kind of buzz that encourages others to take notice.
6. Buy a gift card
Gift cards make thoughtful presents and provide businesses with revenue today while bringing (potentially new) customers back later.
7. Attend local events, markets, and pop-ups
Get out of the house! Hit up farmers markets, craft fairs, grand openings, and community festivals and other great opportunities to discover businesses you may not have known existed. Plus, you’ll probably run into a friend or even make a new one.
8. Order directly whenever possible
When it makes sense, order through a business’s own website or by phone instead of using third-party marketplaces. Most small businesses provide delivery or shipping when needed.
9. Become a repeat customer
One-time purchases are helpful. Repeat customers help local businesses grow.
10. Join their rewards program or email list
Loyalty has its benefits. Loyalty programs and newsletters keep you informed while helping businesses build lasting customer relationships. You may even get special deals or exclusive experiences.
11. Support local makers and service providers
Some of the most overlooked small businesses are local makers, artists, tradespeople, and independent professionals. Whether you need custom artwork, home repairs, photography, or business services, consider hiring someone in your own community first.
“I appreciate the personal touch a local business provides. Our community is 20 minutes from larger urban areas that support more known retailers and chains – it’s nice to have unique options right here that don’t require leaving the town.”
– Title Clerk, Mangum
12. Celebrate business milestones
Grand openings, anniversaries, new products, seasonal promotions, and fundraisers all deserve a little extra attention. More and more small businesses are finding creative ways to make their events stand out, especially during Small Business Saturday. Stop by, join the fun, and show your support.
13. Give local gifts
Getting someone a gift? Skip the ordinary. Local shops often carry one-of-a-kind items you won’t find at big box stores, from handmade products and artwork to specialty foods, books, and gift baskets.
14. Shopping local as an “office thing”
Make supporting local businesses part of your workplace culture. Take turns letting a different employee choose a local lunch spot, coffee shop, or business to support each week. Consider local businesses for office celebrations or promotional materials. It’s an easy way to discover new favorites while supporting your community.
15. Introduce coworkers to your favorite businesses
Regarding the aforementioned, remember one recommendation can become a dozen new customers.
16. Help promote community events
Share flyers, repost event announcements, invite coworkers, or add local events to office calendars.
17. Support local restaurants beyond lunch
Think breakfast meetings, client dinners, coffee runs, office catering, and employee celebrations.
18. Try somewhere new
Sure, we all have our local favorites. But next time you need something, challenge yourself to try a local business you’ve never visited before. You might discover your new favorite bakery, bookstore, repair shop, or neighborhood market.
“Every order is important. People need to know their shopping with you is appreciated and welcomed.”
– Quill customer, Human Resource Supervisor
19. Partner with local organizations
Volunteer together, sponsor community events, or look for ways your office can collaborate with neighborhood nonprofits and businesses.
20. Simply say thank you
There’s a lot of hard work behind every small business. The next time you have a great experience, take a moment to say thank you. It’s a small gesture, but it reminds owners and employees that their efforts are noticed and appreciated.
How do I find local small businesses
Finding local businesses is easier than ever.
Try:
- Google Maps
- Chamber of Commerce directories
- Community calendars
- Farmers markets
- Maker fairs
- Neighborhood Facebook groups
- Local newsletters
Don’t forget businesses that are easy to overlook, including repair shops, independent service providers, artists, local manufacturers, specialty grocers, and nonprofits with storefronts.
That all said, the easiest way to find a great local shop: ask around!
Supporting a small local business isn’t just about money
Making an impact on the success of a local business isn’t just about how much you spend.
Leaving a review, sharing a social media post, recommending a favorite business, attending a community event, or subscribing to a newsletter all help increase visibility and build trust.
Pick one or two ideas from this list this week and show your support. Small actions really do add up.
“Supporting local small businesses means investing in community growth. Each purchase helps create jobs, sustain local culture, and reinforces the unique character of the area. When you choose local, you’re not just buying a product; you’re fostering relationships, ensuring better customer service, and contributing to the economy. Small businesses are the heart of our communities—your support makes a lasting impact.”
– Executive Administrator / Assistant VP, First Federal Community Bank, NA.
Do you have any additional feedback for Quill or would like us to write about a topic that’s important to your workplace? Send us an email at Community@quill.com. We’d love to hear from you.
FAQs on best ways to support local small businesses
Why should I support local small businesses?
Local businesses help create jobs, support community events, and provide products and services people rely on every day. Supporting them also helps keep more money circulating within your local community.
What are some free ways to support local businesses?
You don’t have to spend money to make a difference. Leaving a thoughtful review, following a business on social media, sharing their posts, recommending them to friends, or attending community events (like farmers markets) are all free ways to show your support.
Does social media really help small businesses?
Yes. Every like, comment, and share helps a business reach more people. An active social media presence can also build credibility and encourage potential customers to learn more.
How do I write a helpful review for a local business?
Be specific. Mention what you purchased or the service you received, what stood out, and why you’d recommend the business. Honest details are often more helpful than simply giving a five-star rating.
How can I encourage my workplace to support local businesses?
Get coworkers involved. Rotate local lunch spots, choose neighborhood vendors for office needs, or let a different employee recommend a local business each month. Small acts of support can have a lasting impact on both your team and your community.