Have you ever bought a sweater from Albany & Avers or a fern from Sheelytown Market? Although these businesses might sound unrecognizable, they were actually founded and operate here in Omaha.
Small businesses are a crucial part of Omaha’s economy and charm. May, known as Small Business Month, is the perfect time to learn about what small businesses do for our communities, and how we can support them. While it may seem like students don’t have a big impact on the economy or the success of our neighbors, our everyday choices matter more than we think.
One of the easiest ways to support small businesses is simply by choosing them over large chain stores when possible. Greater Alliance Federal Credit Union states that, “Mega e-tailers, like Amazon and Walmart, may monopolize commerce, but it’s small businesses across the country that keep the economy going. In fact, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA), the 30 million small businesses in the United States account for 54 percent of all sales,”
Whether by grabbing a drink from a local coffee shop instead of Starbucks, or shopping at a boutique instead of online, choosing local over global keeps money circulating within the community.
“A local business is more likely to hire local workers and donate profits back into the community. The owners are also more invested in their neighborhood, so they’re less likely to move out of town or close up shop without warning. Additionally, these shops tend to sponsor local events and donate items for silent auctions or raffles,” Like a Local Tours tours company said.
Students can also make a difference without spending much at all. Following local businesses on social media, liking and sharing their posts, or leaving a positive review can help them reach new customers.
Forbes explains that, “Many businesses either do some or all their work online so positive reviews are becoming more important to new customers who are learning about them for the first time. Whether you have just visited it once or have been going for years, take a few minutes to leave some positive praise for the businesses that deserve it,”
In a time where so much business depends on online visibility, even a quick post or recommendation can go a long way. Word of mouth is also just as powerful as the internet, so make sure to shout out your favorite local shops to friends and family.
Although supporting small businesses often takes a conscious effort, ironically, some students are supporting small businesses without knowing it. Local events, such as farmers markets and craft fairs, have become popular among young people looking for a weekend activity. These events not only support multiple vendors at once, but also create a sense of community that large corporations often lack.
“As consumers increasingly seek out unique and personalized shopping experiences, craft markets and artisan fairs have emerged as popular destinations. For market vendors, these events offer a valuable opportunity to showcase their goods, connect with customers, and extend their reach in meaningful ways,” Bespoke Market said.
Supporting small businesses isn’t about making one big purchase, it’s about returning to local vendors and spreading the word. By choosing to shop small, students can play a meaningful role in helping Omaha’s small businesses grow and thrive.