How to support local business during Small Business Month and beyond

While there’s no quick-fix for reviving a sluggish economy, there are ways you can contribute to the health and wealth of your community—by giving your business to the businesses near you. When you shop local—in-person or online—you help out those who have been hit the hardest financially in recent times. And as October is Small Business Month across Canada, there’s no time like the present.

Through safe in-person shopping, curbside connections, and ordering online for delivery, here are a few good ideas for “spending smart” during Small Business Month, and in the months to come.

Photo Credit: Monkey Business

While supermarkets are good for the basics, get the rest of the goods closer to home. Odds are even that you have a butcher shop, bakery, or cheese shop nearby. Now is the time to get to know them if you don’t already. Ditto the fishmonger, if you’re lucky enough to have one of those, too. You benefit from personalized, often made-to-order service—not to mention human interaction—and develop a relationship with the local people behind the groceries.

Local restaurants need your continued support as well. With all the money you’re saving by not eating out or buying lunch every day, you can shop online at mealtime, ordering local takeout—and maybe even springing for a bottle of wine in the restaurant window.

Inquire if your local caterer offers online cooking classes or puts together full meals-to-go—the events industry has been hit particularly hard. Even something as simple as grabbing a coffee can be made more meaningful by doing it at an independent corner café to support the local barista (and his family) instead of the bigger chains.

While you’re working through your shop local to-do list, consider the other services on your main-street strip, other than the food stores and restaurants—maybe even the ones you’ve never bothered with before. Consider the local auto repair shop when it’s time for your next oil change or to put on those winter tires.

Now is the time to shop online and book into the local hair or nail salon, or barber around the corner. You may end up surprisingly pleased with both the results and the easy commute. The same goes for the sporting goods store and the discount clothier you pass by all the time without stopping in. They sell brand-name running shoes and designer jeans just like the ones you were planning to buy elsewhere online.

And with your new gym clothes, why not sign up for online workouts from your local gym or yoga classes from the fitness studio at the top of the street?

For any of the holiday shopping you plan to do, check out the neighbourhood jewellers, gift or toy shops first before venturing outward with your list. The little boutiques are great for unique, one-of-a-kind presents, as is the tiny flower market, whose wreaths and bouquets are just as beautiful as the fancier florists. Remember that all the aesthetics salons nearby sell gift-worthy products—and gift cards.

For over a century, Yellow Pages has been the leader in connecting Canadians with local stores, restaurants, and service providers across the country. At YP.ca it’s now easier than ever to shop local online: look for the shopping cart icon to indicate that the merchant is offering e-commerce services.

From safe in-person experiences to convenient curbside pick-up and online shopping options, now is the perfect time to shop local and support Canada’s independent businesses.