Small businesses are the heartbeat of any local economy, playing a crucial role in creating vibrant communities. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 44% of U.S. economic activity and create two out of three net new jobs. These businesses are not just a source of unique products and personalized services; they are also key drivers of local growth.

For every dollar spent at a small business, approximately 67 cents stays within the local community. This money circulates as small business owners use their earnings to pay employees, purchase local goods, and support other local businesses. Additionally, small businesses donate 250% more to local non-profits and community causes than large corporations, further reinforcing their integral role in supporting the community.

Did you know that nationally, small businesses are responsible for providing over half of all new jobs? To put this in perspective, in the last twenty five years, small businesses have been responsible for 66% of the country’s new jobs. In addition to reducing unemployment rates, small businesses produce 44% of our nations Gross Domestic Product.

When you shop at a small business like Fashion Crossroads, you’re not just purchasing a product—you’re helping to keep our local economy strong. Beyond shopping, there are several impactful ways you can support small businesses:

1. Leave a Google Review: Positive reviews can boost a small business’s online visibility and credibility, attracting new customers. Statistics show that 93% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase, so your review can make a significant difference.
2. Share on Social Media: Social media is a powerful tool for small businesses. Sharing posts from your favorite local stores helps increase their reach and can introduce them to new customers. A study by BigCommerce found that 30% of online shoppers are likely to purchase from a business they first learned about on social media.
3. Engage with Their Content: Liking, commenting, and sharing content not only supports the business but also helps them appear more frequently in others’ social media feeds, increasing their chances of being discovered by new customers.
4. Attend Events: Whether in-person or online, attending events hosted by small businesses supports them directly and gives you a chance to connect with your community. It’s also a great way to learn more about the products and services they offer.
5. Sign Up for Emails: Staying informed about sales, new arrivals, and special events by subscribing to newsletters helps businesses keep in touch with their customer base and can lead to exclusive deals for you.

Tonight, I’ll be discussing the significant impact small businesses have on our community during my Wednesday Wardrobing live vlog at 6 p.m. MST on Facebook and Instagram. We’ll explore how supporting small businesses can help our local economy thrive and how you can play a part in it. If you can’t join live, the replay will be available on our YouTube channel. Remember, supporting small businesses is more than just a transaction—it’s about keeping our community strong and resilient. Let’s work together to make a difference!