I have become a huge supporter of small business, Made in the USA, and non-profits as a result of my financial…ahem…activism. I’m not perfect, I’ve purchased a number of items that I know were made in countries that I don’t want to support financially because I want to support my country financially.
But, it has become more and more important to me to support small local businesses that employ people not only in my hometown, but in others across the U.S. Luckily, there are a lot of fabulous businesses, goods, and services that I can take advantage of locally and in other towns.
I regularly take the time to visit local coffee shops, yoga studios, and grocery stores. I love speaking with the owners of these businesses, seeing the pride of ownership, and the result of an idea coming to life that I was able to benefit from the minute I stepped into the establishment.
In a normal week I will eat Justin’s peanut butter cups (or Suncups), stop by Ink Coffee, go to the local vegan market that my old Whole Foods cashier owns, and then go to happy hour in Boulder at Tahona. Since I’ve cut my overall spending substantially, the slightly higher prices aren’t an issue for me.
I also know a ton of small business owners that I want to support and encourage you to support as well.
Support these wonderful entrepreneurs on Small Business Saturday!
- Tonya from Budget and the Beach who is an amazing video editor based out of L.A.
- Cat from Budget Blonde who is a blog coach extraordinaire and freelancing diva.
- Michelle from Making Sense of Cents who is also a blog coach extraordinaire, website manager, and hustle #GirlBoss
- Denver Eric from Narrow Bridge Finance who has defected and now lives in Portland (I digress) he is a website and technical guru. He also is a money coach.He used his skills to help me with my blog (THANKS!) He’s also a DJ (cool)
- Toni from Debt Free Divas is a phenomenal financial coach who has walked in her client’s shoes and paid off $100,000. She is kind, focused, and nonjudgemental if you need a financial coach-connect with her!
We often hear our politicians talking about creating jobs and jobs being sent overseas. The thing is consumers are also “job creators.” If we make an effort to spend locally we contribute to people staying employed, circulate our dollars longer in our cities, and strengthen our local economies.
I should also mention that I offer virtual assistant services, administrative support, blog management, and social media services. I would love to support your small business or non-profit virtually.
As you shop for the 2014 holiday season please keep local business owners in mind. We appreciate you and your continued support.
Do You Support Small Business Saturday? What Services or Goods Do You Purchase Locally?
I had to leave you with a video from Tonya on how to save money.
Latest posts by Michelle (see all)
- How Work Policies Against Black Women Birthed a Love of the Soft Life - 20 March, 2024
- How Taylor Swift’s IP Victory Could Change the Business of Music - 28 February, 2024
- Why Don’t More Personal Finance Content Creators Talk About Policy - 16 January, 2024
I am currently living overseas, but when I am in the U.S. I am an advocate for supporting small businesses. I was raised in Boonton, NJ which is famous for antique shops. I use to love looking at the unique items in the shops.
I should also say that in general I’m a supporter of small businesses wherever they are located but I have very specific interest in the U.S. because it’s my home country. Where are you??
You’re such a huge supporter of me and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that!!! We have lots of cute little stores around where I live. I’m trying to find one that sells toys somewhere so I can shop there for a couple of toys for tots I need to buy.
Tonya-you’re a ROCK STAR!! I actually want to work on a project with you but will tell you about it offline. There’s a great place in Boulder called Grand Rabbits. Amazing local business with fantastic toys for the shorties.
I try to shop small business as much as possible and I’ll definitely be out there for small business Saturday with my AmEx 🙂
Yay Stefanie! I hope you’re having fun in Chi Town.
I love that your are giving shout outs to fellow bloggers for this! Awesome.
I try to avoid all the crowds this time of year, so I actually do almost no shopping. I do want to get to the point of supporting more local merchants or friends with small businesses. It takes planning and pairing their offerings up with folks on my gift list. And I just feel like I need to hit the easy button this year with all I have going on.
I totally understand that! Since I have been doing this for awhile it all comes pretty easily now 🙂 Make sure to take care of yourself and get some rest.
LOL I haven’t seen Tonya’s video before. It’s hilarious!!
I think it’s the funniest video she’s made so far!
Great shout outs! I try to support local business in my hometown as much as possible too (financially). Higher prices can be a problem, but I try to have room in my budget to support them. My small town would die without these small business owners!
I just visited a dying town in the Midwest and it’s horrible to see. Once the factories closed (and went overseas) the other businesses lost business as well. Anything that I can do to support a small business owner who is killing it-I will do!
This is awesome! Love everyone on this list. I do try to support other bloggers and shop local, too.
I try very hard to support my peeps and shop local. It’s amazing how easy it is once you’re in the habit.
You’re a sugar plum! Thanks so much. What a great idea though actually. I’ve never thought about sharing something like this for Small Biz Saturday. That’s why you’re a Rock Star!
Thanks Toni! I hope you get some clients from this referral. They would be lucky to have you in their corner.
Thanks! (incidentally who says “sugar plum” anymore…how old am I again??? LOL But it seemed to fit!)
I cracked up when I saw that! I just thought you had southern roots 🙂