When you support small, local businesses, you empower the entire community. Each dollar you spend supports more than just a business. it also supports everyone who runs it or works there, helping to make your town a better place to live and work. A thriving business community helps support the rest of the town. Before you make a new purchase, consider these ways to support local businesses.

1. Give Major Purchases to Small Retailers

It's easy to think of stopping at a local shop for small purchases, and then head to big box stores or national chains when it comes time for larger items. However, that misses a huge opportunity to support local businesses and your entire community. When you consider that virtually all of the money you spend in small stores stays in the community, it is no wonder these larger purchases have such a big impact. The next time you are in the market for major appliances or a home improvement project shop local businesses first. Whether you want to install a new roof or check out ideas for inground pools Mobile, you'll find plenty of choices where your purchase will directly affect someone's livelihood.

2. Seek Out New Places

Small Business Saturday falls two days after Thanksgiving. It is designed to raise awareness of, and encourage shopping in, small businesses that often lose out during major pre-holiday sales. While that should not be the only time you support local businesses, it can be a great way to get acquainted with merchants in your area that you may have overlooked.

3. Engage With Them Online

There are numerous ways that you can engage with and support local retailers online and through social media. For starters, you can shop their websites. Even if you aren't in the market for something, keep an eye out for gift card sales or other promotions that might let you offer support during slower sales periods. You can also make a big impact by encouraging others to try your favorite places. Post reviews on sites like Google and Yelp to share your favorite establishments and bring new customers in. Research shows that more than 90% of American adults use a search engine daily, and nearly half of the searches are looking for local results. So, your review could make a big difference to a small shop.

4. Support Farm to Table Food Movements

Perhaps the most popular farm to table option is to purchase a share in a nearby farm's CSA program. This is a method where farmers sell portions of their expected crops upfront. Purchasers get a weekly allotment of products, ranging from fruits and veggies to meat and preserved goods, that will vary depending on the actual output. It is a huge boon for farmers who face a large outlay or cash for supplies months before they can even begin to think about earning money from harvests. Farm to table isn't limited to rural areas. Even if you live in a major urban center, there is likely a nearby food cooperative.

5. Attend Local Events

Local fairs and community events are an excellent opportunity to support some of the smallest businesses in your area. Crafters, home bakers and woodworkers abound at this type of event, so come prepared to enjoy a bevy of homemade products where the profits go directly back to a family you may know. Plus, it offers a unique opportunity to meet new businesses that you may have previously overlooked. Add in some local entertainment and you can also have a genuinely good time while you shop.

There are myriad reasons to support small businesses and, perhaps, even more ways to actually do it. Share information about favorites online and through social channels, try to favor small shops for major purchases and be willing to try new places as they open up.