Every $1 we spend has consequences. When we choose to buy from locally-owned businesses, our money does more good for our local community. Here’s six good reasons to buy local.
From July 1 to July 31, Independents Month celebrates independent, locally-owned businesses and entrepreneurship. For Independents Month, Local Return is recruiting Neighborhood Champions to help us spotlight local businesses. Why? Because you know your community the best, and you know who and what make it special.
Our goal is to inform and inspire members of the public to learn about what’s available locally, consider the consequences of their choices, and shift some of their spending. We want to include a mix of business-to-consumer goods and business-to-business innovations.
The Assignment
- Pick a community that you love. Hint: It could be a place (like Peace Dale, Riverside, or Pascoag) or a group of people (Black-owned businesses).
- Tell us about 3-5 businesses that make your community great. Which businesses do you LOVE? Which businesses make your place vibrant and whole? The criteria: They must be independent (no franchises, please) and locally-owned (by someone who lives in or very close to Rhode Island). Photos are great!
- Bonus points: Record a short video (0:30 to 2 minutes) with one or more of the business owners. Be as creative as you’d like, but here are a few suggested questions to ask:
- Introduce us to (BUSINESS).
- What’s your favorite part of being an entrepreneur?
- What do you love about (PLACE)?
- What’s your favorite local business?
How to Participate
Send your responses to jessica@localreturn.org.
During July, we hope you’ll share your contributions directly on social media tagging @LocalReturnRI on Twitter or Instagram.
The fine print: By submitting, you acknowledge that you give Local Return permission to share your contributions publicly.