Wrap up 2020 with 20 big reasons to shop small

This year has been rough in a lot of ways, and small businesses have been hit especially hard with a struggling economy, mandated shutdowns and more uncertainties looming in the future.

What better way to show our support of local businesses than through shopping small in the last month of 2020?

“Our local businesses have struggled to keep their doors open this year. We need to support them so we still have these options the next holiday season,” said Holly Ferguson, Holyoke Chamber of Commerce director.

Shopping local helps your neighbors, she said, but it’s not just helping their business, you’re supporting your own interests too. Local businesses put money back into their community by supporting schools, sports, nonprofits, churches and other local businesses.

According to the Small Business Administration, when people shop at local small businesses, 70% of their spending stays in the local economy.

During the pandemic, a lot of people are worried about going to bigger stores and simply aren’t making as many trips to the cities, said Trisha Herman, Phillips County Economic Development director. Therefore, it’s the perfect time to explore some local options.

She also pointed out that Holyoke businesses have found new ways to be creative with online shopping, shipping options and curbside delivery.

Realizing that some necessities just aren’t available in town, Herman encourages people to take advantage of programs that large companies use to donate a portion of proceeds to the nonprofit of the shopper’s choice. For example, she’s been able to contribute to the Holyoke Community Childcare Initiative through AmazonSmile.

Small businesses are the heart of Colorado’s economy. There are more than 611,000 small businesses in the state, representing more than 99% of Colorado businesses, according to Colorado Small Business Development Center Network.

If you work at a small business, you are one of 1.1 million Coloradans employed by a small business. That’s nearly 50% of the Colorado workforce.

When you’re looking for items or services this month, consider these 20 big reasons to shop small.

1. Support your neighbors.

2. Create job opportunities in your community.

3. Keep dollars in town and boost the local economy.

4. Receive highly personalized customer service and benefit from knowledgeable employees.

5. Demonstrate which businesses you want to succeed.

6. Improve public services through taxes.

7. Help make up for lost revenue when businesses may have had to close during the pandemic.

8. Indirectly support local events, sports teams and fundraisers often sponsored by small businesses.

9. Preserve community charm and foster a sense of community.

10. Avoid big crowds — and germs!

11. Help businesses grow through word of mouth and give local businesspeople more exposure.

12. Show your appreciation for local businesses.

13. Lower your impact on the environment by eliminating travel and shipping.

14. Keep businesses open and downtown buildings occupied.

15. Get to know local employees.

16. Have fun discovering shops and unique items available in your own town.

17. Purchase gift certificates that will help businesses now and give friends and family something to enjoy later on.

18. Cut down on travel time and endless hours of scrolling through websites to find the right gifts.

19. Pay it forward if you’ve had a steady paycheck this year to help others pay their bills and buy their groceries.

20. Feel good about your holiday shopping.