Why supporting small local businesses matters – especially now
When you choose to support a local business, your dollar does more than just buy a product or service. And by local it can mean either in the city or the bush it stays within your community, supporting real people — your neighbours, friends, and local families. That money is reinvested locally, whether it’s through wages, sponsorships, or sourcing from other nearby businesses.
In a world where convenience often wins, it’s easy to default to the bigger businesses when shopping for gifts or essentials. But now, more than ever, it’s important to pause and consider the impact our choices have on your communities—especially when so many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat.
This matters more than ever. Across the country, many small businesses are facing mounting challenges—rising costs, shrinking margins, and fewer customers walking through their doors. Every order, every sale, every show of support can be the difference between staying open or having to close their doors.
Choosing local doesn’t just support the business—it strengthens the entire community. Small businesses are the backbone of local economies. They employ locals, reinvest profits into the area, and foster personal connections that large corporations just can’t do. When you support local, your money stays closer to home, circulating through schools, clubs, charities, and families.
At The Graziers Daughter, I’m proud to join forces with other small businesses, bringing together a collection of local flavours and beautiful handcrafted goods that reflect the richness and diversity of products within Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. I believe a hamper should be more than a gift—it should be a way to tell a story, spark a memory, and show your commitment to the community.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
- Shop local first: before choosing a large chain store or that tempting overseas website (yes, I have been guilty) see if a local business can offer what you need.
- Spread the word: just a single social media share or review can go a long way to increasing a business’s profile.
- Buy gifts with purpose: by choosing locally made gifts not only shows thoughtfulness but support local artisans and producers within your area.
- Champion local: advocate for local businesses through personal and work connections, such as a local catering business, event services or corporate gifts.
So next time you need to purchase something, please ask yourself “Can I get this locally?” and if the answer is yes then please do as you never know the impact it may have on someone and their family.
