You might not think twice when you pass by that quaint little bakery on the corner (okay, maybe you think about picking up a bear claw, delicious) or the family-owned hardware store down the street that your dad frequented when he was renovating the house. But here’s a thought: small businesses are anything but small (in the grande scope of things) when you really stop and consider their impact. Not just on you, me, the community, but the national economy. In fact, they’re often referred to as the backbone of our economy, and for good reason, they keep us straight and on course. Today I thought that it would be fun to look at why why these enterprises deserve more than just a passing glance.

First off, let’s talk job creation. You’ve got one, I’ve got had one. Did you know that small businesses account for nearly 65% of all new jobs created in the U.S.? Shocking. I thought everyone was in Silicone Valley, too. Sarcasm aside. That’s huge! When a new café opens up (oh, yeah) or a local artist starts selling handmade goods (I made candles), it doesn’t just provide a cozy spot for coffee lovers or art enthusiasts; it creates jobs for baristas, waitstaff, countless other people in those supporting roles. That’s something to think about next time you’re enjoying a latte made by your neighbor’s kid—why—because you’re directly supporting community employment!

It’s the flow up method of economy. Small business provide the support for midsize ones, and so on.

Now, onto innovation. Before you try and tell me that you don’t find it on the ground level, think again. Small businesses are often at the forefront of creative ideas and fresh perspectives. They’re the movers and shakers, you just don’t feel it as much. They tend to be more agile than larger corporations—able to pivot quickly when they sense a trend or identify a gap in the market. (A side note: you really need to be agile when you start a small business, otherwise complacency will make you somebody else’s gap.) Ever seen a quirky gadget online from some startup? Yeah, they’re most likely two people in an office somewhere. Or maybe you’ve stumbled upon an app developed by a local entrepreneur? Probably just a one man band. More often than not, these innovations stem from small business owners eager to fill specific needs, your needs, the needs of their community, needs that larger companies might overlook. It’s like having a laboratory of creativity right in your neighborhood!

And then there’s competition. Healthy competition is essential. Why? It keeps prices fair and quality high. No competition = poor quality at a high price. When small businesses thrive, they push larger companies to innovate too—forcing them to consider customer preferences more seriously. Remember how every major coffee chain suddenly started offering plant-based milk options some years back? Yep, those indie cafés were way ahead of that curve! My local café offered it in 1999 (at least it says so on their door now). By choosing to shop small, you’re contributing to this ecosystem of competition that ultimately benefits everybody.

But let’s not forget about their impact on local communities and economies. Your home base. Small businesses keep money circulating within your community (which is healthy)—often referred to as “local multiplier effect.” When you buy from them rather than big box stores (<-boo), you’re supporting not just their owners but also their employees, countless families, who live nearby and spend their earnings at other local establishments (maybe yours), these include: restaurants, gyms, schools…you name it! The ripple effect can be astounding—it fosters growth in neighborhoods and strengthens community ties.

Lastly (and this one hits home), local businesses have character—they reflect their communities’ values and quirks! Ever chatted with an owner who knows what kind of coffee you prefer without asking? That personal touch creates connections that transcend transactions; because in the end it’s about building relationships within your community (lasting ones).

So next time you’re out shopping, maybe grabbing food, remember that each purchase is like planting a seed in your local economy’s garden (a community garden). Each dollar spent at a small business helps nurture job creation… fuels innovation… and strengthens community ties.

And hey like always—I’d love to hear your thoughts! What are some of your favorite local spots? How do they contribute uniquely to our economy? Join the conversation; let’s celebrate these unsung heroes together!