When you shop at a small, local business, your dollar doesn’t just buy a product or service—it becomes an investment in your community. Unlike spending at big-box stores or online giants, money spent locally tends to stay local, circulating through your community and creating a ripple effect of economic activity. This phenomenon, known as the local multiplier effect, is the lifeblood of thriving Main Streets.

Small businesses reinvest in their neighborhoods. They hire local workers, source goods and services from nearby vendors, and often support community initiatives, from youth sports leagues to local charities. Every dollar you spend at a local business generates twice as much economic impact as a dollar spent at a national chain.

At BusinessFlare, we’ve seen how small businesses bring life to a community. From unique shops to neighborhood cafes, they’re the places that make a town feel like home. As Small Business Saturday approaches, think about where your money goes and how it shapes the future of your community.

This week, shop small, and remember that every purchase is a vote for a vibrant, connected community.