How to support small businesses
29 April 2025
How Americans Can Support Small Businesses Every Day: A Simple Action Plan
Small businesses are the heartbeat of American communities, providing jobs, unique products and local character. But in our world of big box stores and online mega-retailers, small businesses need deliberate support to survive and thrive. The good news? Every American can make a difference with simple, everyday choices.
Here’s a straightforward plan and checklist to turn your purchasing power into real support for small businesses.
Why It Matters
Stronger local economies: Studies show that for every $100 spent at a small business, around $68 stays in the local community.
More jobs: Small businesses employ nearly half of the U.S. private workforce.
Unique products and services: Local businesses often offer items you won’t find anywhere else.
Community character: Local shops and restaurants give neighborhoods their personality and charm.
Reduce wealth inequality: Big business contributes to wealth inequality by driving down wages, supporting high CEO and upper management pay and promoting stock buybacks, primarily benefiting the wealthy. Supporting small businesses reduces these harmful effects.
Supporting governmental services for the middle class: Big business supports policies that favor their interests at the expense of the middle and working classes, such as lower taxes on the wealthy, privatization and weaker regulations to protect worker safety and the environment. Small businesses lack the power to do this.
Action Plan: How to Support Small Businesses
1. Shop Local First
✅ Before ordering online or heading to a chain, check if a local store has what you need. Or you can use the online store to determine who sells a product and buy directly from them.
✅ Visit local bookstores, hardware stores, clothing boutiques and specialty shops.
2. Dine Independently
✅ Choose family owned restaurants, diners, coffee shops and bakeries instead of national chains.
✅ Order takeout directly from the restaurant’s website rather than third-party apps, which often take large commissions.
3. Use Local Services
✅ Hire local contractors, electricians, plumbers and home repair specialists.
✅ Visit independent salons, barbers, auto shops and wellness providers.
4. Buy Local Gifts
✅ Shop at local artisan markets, craft fairs or small business pop-ups for birthdays, holidays and special occasions.
✅ Consider gift cards from small businesses for easy gifting.
5. Support Local Farmers and Food Producers
✅ Shop at farmers’ markets or subscribe to a Community Supported Agriculture box.
✅ Look for locally made food products at your grocery store.
6. Bank and Insure Locally
✅ Consider switching to local banks or credit unions.
✅ Look for local insurance agents and brokers.
7. Spread the Word
✅ Leave positive reviews on Google, Yelp or Facebook.
✅ Post about your favorite small businesses on your social media accounts.
✅ Tell friends and family about good experiences and recommend local businesses.
8. Participate in Local Events
✅ Attend street fairs, "Shop Local" days, Small Business Saturday (the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and other community events.
✅ Join "buy local" movements or chambers of commerce activities in your area.
9. Be Patient and Understanding
✅ Understand that small businesses may have limited stock, longer shipping times or slightly higher prices - your patience helps them grow.
10. Avoid shopping at Amazon as much as possible
✅ Like many others, I’ve found Amazon’s convenience and low prices hard to resist. However, I’ve grown increasingly concerned about CEO Jeff Bezos’s repeated reluctance to stand up to Trump, and what I see as Amazon’s harmful impact on small businesses and democratic institutions. For these reasons, I’ve decided to cut my ties to Amazon as much as possible.
Quick Tip:
Every time you open your wallet, ask:
"Can I buy this from a local business instead?"
Even small shifts in your daily habits can add up to big changes for your community.
Supporting small businesses isn’t hard and it’s powerful.
With mindful purchasing, Americans can help create stronger communities, preserve local jobs and enjoy more personal, meaningful shopping experiences.
I personally have:
Shifted from large banks to small banks or credit unions.
Shopped at local stores instead of large chains or Amazon for groceries, household cleaners and home improvement.
Used cash instead of credit cards (owned by large banks).
Eat at local restaurants instead of huge chains.
Used drivers I know instead of Uber or Lyft (many drivers have a private service also).
Each week, I try to identify another purchase to shift. This week I am planning to try a local pharmacy that is not part of a national chain.
It may cost a little more time and money, but at least to me, it is preferable to our current authoritarian government which big business helped bring about.
My related essays:
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I try, but its hard since I live in a small town where Walmart is the big store. I avoid it 98% of the time. I do use local drivers and banks and smaller stores as much as I can.
However, it is with shame that I have not cut ties to Amazon. As soon as my current limited mobility improves, that will be my first change. Sciatica-type pain has me lying down about 18 hrs a day.