Studies show that every $100 spent at a local business keeps roughly $45–$68 in your community—compared to as little as $14 when spent at a national retailer. When you shop locally, more of your money stays in your own community—supporting jobs, small businesses, and local culture. Here are some ideas to inspire your spending to support your local community.
Pay cash at small shops and local businesses
Credit card fees eat into a shop’s revenue. If you can, pay cash at local cafes, boutiques, markets, and service providers so the full amount goes to the business owner instead of processing companies.
Take Public Transportation – even if you don’t need to, hop on a bus every once in a while to support the transit system that keeps your community afloat.
Find a local coffee shop on your daily route
Even small habits add up. Swapping a big coffee chain for an independent café—especially one that sources locally – not only keeps the financial support in your community, but builds community around these independent shops that makes them even more valuable and vibrant.
Plan purposeful local shopping trips
Instead of defaulting to big-box or online orders, make a list and schedule a visit to your local hardware store for things like batteries, cleaning supplies, or lightbulbs. You’ll likely get friendly, knowledgeable service and keep your dollars circulating close to home.
Buy music directly from smaller bands
If you love an independent musician, buy their album (digital or physical) from them directly rather than streaming it for pennies. You could also attend a few concerts at a local venue instead of one pricey stadium show—where more of your dollars will go to local artists, as well as venue and the neighborhood hosting them.
Join a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
Buying a farm share in advance gives farmers steady income and rewards you with fresh produce all season long. And you can dependably pick up a box of fresh locally grown produce every week.
Eat at locally-owned restaurants
Try swapping out a meal at a chain restaurant meal for an independent spot that keeps helps keep more resources in your local economy.
Use local print and copy shops
Instead of ordering from an online mega-printer, look into having your flyers, business cards, or invitations printed nearby.
Bank with a credit union or local bank
Local credit unions invest in your community through loans and local development, keeping profits close to home.
Shop at farmers markets and craft fairs
Buying directly from growers and makers keeps 100% of your purchase in the hands of the people creating it—and often gives you a chance to connect with them in person.
Take local classes or workshops
Spend your entertainment budget on dance, art, cooking, or fitness classes offered by neighborhood instructors—learning something new while supporting their livelihoods.
Borrow or rent from local libraries– Not only are you strengthening community by using these local resources, you can invest the money you save on buying things to invest in coffees from a local shop, or some other business in your community.
Can you switch one monthly subscription to a local option – Replace a chain gym with an independent fitness studio, or swap a mass-market meal kit for a locally prepared meal service?
What other ways do you support your local community? Share in the comments!