If you own a business, or are an association or chamber that helps businesses, you know that times are tight right now. Lots of successful businesses are struggling with increased costs on basic needs like bags or containers for their products. When vendor costs increase, the first line of defense Read more…
July is Independent Retailer Month and it is the ideal time to show local retailers how much you value their businesses. The month is designed to “encourage consumers to shop local and celebrate indie retailers, creating more sustainable cities, towns and communities,” according to the website. 17 Ways to Support Read more…
If you want more customers (and who doesn’t!) this summer and beyond, try these easy marketing ideas. Regardless of your budget, there’s an idea in this mix for you. Talk to your chamber of commerce to see if they have a local currency program. Local Currency can allow you to Read more…
Now that numbers are starting to go down and vaccinations are going up, the end of COVID seems to be looming. And it couldn’t come soon enough. Most businesses (and employees!) are ready to return to normal but this pandemic will undoubtedly be more of a line of demarcation than Read more…
If you have a local currency program, you need to market your merchants. Who is involved is part of what will make your program successful. No merchants, no local currency purchases. So how do you do that? Here are 8 ways to bring more exposure to your local currency merchants Read more…
If you’re a small business that uses Facebook there are a few new features you should know about. If you’re not using Facebook, put down your coffee and go build a business page. Facebook Changes Affecting Small Business Have you noticed some extra features available on your Facebook business page? If Read more…
No matter the industry, you need marketing. But marketing these days is more subtle and requires much more of a focus on the long-game. When we refer to long-game, we’re not talking about business goals for your next decade. We mean taking the time to establish relationships with your customers Read more…
If you are part of an economic development group, a chamber of commerce, a Main Street program, or just someone who wants to see others buy more local products, it’s time you start making it worth their while. Here’s how you can convince others to buy more local products. Read more…
Business growth is essential to remain profitable but in some markets, that’s becoming harder and harder to do. It’s likely if you have a small business you don’t have the time to explore new types of customers. You’re likely focused on retaining the ones you have and marketing to the Read more…
The day after Black Friday is Small Business Saturday where shoppers are encouraged to support small businesses. This is a great way to bring recognition and revenue to the underdog but it’s not enough. Starting a local currency program in your community is another way to bolster support for small Read more…
