Why Supporting Local Businesses Matters in Boston

In the heart of Boston, whether in the various neighborhoods or Downtown, local businesses are more than just shops and services; they represent the community's spirit. In a world that increasingly leans towards online giants and corporate chains, the importance of supporting local enterprises cannot be overstated. Here, we will explore the significance of shopping locally, the economic impact it has, and why it matters specifically in Boston.

The Value of Local Businesses

Local businesses contribute significantly to the economy. They create jobs and help to keep money within the community. A study by the American Independent Business Alliance (AIB) found that for every $100 spent at a local store, approximately $68 remains in the local economy. In contrast, only $43 stays local when spent at a national chain. This statistic highlights the essential role local businesses play in promoting economic resilience.

Additionally, local businesses directly engage with the community, maintaining meaningful relationships among one another, creating an ecosystem that not only feels good for visitors, but makes neighborhoods more desirable. When you support a local business, you’re also supporting the web of individuals committed to making Boston the best it can be.

Flourish & Foundry storefront in Downtown Boston.

Why Local Businesses are Essential to Boston's Identity

Boston is known for its rich history and vibrant spirit. Local businesses are woven into the very fabric of what makes Boston unique. These establishments offer distinctive products and services that reflect the city’s heritage.

Take the North End, for example, where you can find family-owned Italian restaurants that have been around for generations. These businesses not only provide delicious food but also a sense of place and tradition that cannot be replicated by chain restaurants. In other neighborhoods like Grove Hall or Four Corners, Black culture is preserved in locally-owned salons, barber shops, corner stores and restaurants. Their existence means more than the services the provide. They support people's personal and cultural expression, preserving Boston's character and uniqueness.

Hanover Street in Boston's North End is a popular destination to experience local businesses.

Local shops also provide a personal touch. Owners usually know their customers and take time to build relationships. This interaction fosters a sense of belonging and community spirit, enriching the experience of being part of this city. There is a beautiful synergy in the diversity of local business ownership in Fields Corner, for example. You can feel how people from a variety backgrounds co-exist, support one another, and are committed to continually improving life in the neighborhood.

Mural in Grove Hall. Photo via The Bay State Banner.

The Economic Impact of Supporting Local Businesses

But why should this matter to you? Quite simply, supporting local businesses helps sustain the economic health of our neighborhoods. It results in more jobs and potentially higher wages. Furthermore, local businesses often hire local residents, which translates into reduced unemployment.

Consider this: local businesses are more likely to utilize local suppliers, thereby creating a ripple effect throughout the economy. The more we support them, the stronger and more vibrant our local economy becomes.

Moreover, crisis situations like the recent pandemic have put immense pressure on local businesses. Many had to adapt quickly or face closure. By supporting local businesses during tough times, you not only help preserve jobs but also ensure the survival of community features that enrich your own life.

How to Make a Difference Today

Making a conscious effort to support local businesses in Boston doesn't require much effort. Here are several actionable tips to get started:

1. Shop Local: Whenever possible, choose to buy from local stores. Not only are you preserving local revenue and tax dollars, you support the livelihoods a network of folks beyond that individual business.

   
   

2. Eat Local: Try dining at locally-owned restaurants and cafés instead of chain establishments. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have a more authentic Boston experience.

   
   

3. Spread the Word: Share your experiences on social media (like, post, share) or leave a review online to encourage others to shop local.

   
   

4. Participate in Events: Join local events, farmer's markets, or festivals. Host a workshop or gathering with us to connect with local artisans and provide your guests with a memorable experience.

   
   

5. Visit Local Websites: Check out directories that list local Boston businesses. For instance, Downtown Boston Alliance can guide you toward local happenings and opportunities you may not have discovered otherwise.

   
   

By following these simple steps, you can help strengthen Boston's economy and foster a vibrant community.

A Community Effort

Supporting local businesses is not just a task for individuals; it requires a collective effort. Work within your local organizations, and engage with neighbors to promote local business initiatives. Together, communities can start campaigns or events that underscore the importance of shopping locally.

You can also get involved in Boston's Main Streets initiative and urge the city to adopt zoning policies that favor local businesses, such as creating incentives for new startups or encouraging new opportunities for housing creation. The Boston Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion also has many resources for small business owners to help navigate everything from permitting to funding opportunities.

Bostonians continually showcase immense resilience and creativity. By supporting local businesses, you're not just making individual purchases; you are contributing to a larger movement of innovation and improvement that reflects the essence of Boston.

Tremont Street in Downtown Boston, a prominent part of the historic Boston experience.

Through the act of shopping local, dining local, and supporting local initiatives, you help sustain this vibrant community we all cherish. The next time you consider where to shop or dine, remember the immense impact these local choices can have on those around you. The heart of Boston beats strongest with your support of local businesses.