Supporting Small Businesses : My Personal Strategy

Embrace Global Perspectives, Foster Local Endeavours!

In the grand scheme of economic interactions, we often overlook the significant role that small local businesses play in our lives. 

My personal strategy involves sourcing an astounding 90% of my purchases from these community-centric enterprises, and the logic underpinning this choice is both simple and profound.

Supporting a local business directly equates to empowering a family in your community. Whether it's purchasing freshly baked bread from the local bakery or a hand-knitted scarf from a nearby boutique, these transactions fuel the livelihoods of our neighbours. The grocer, the florist, the butcher, the tailor - each of these individuals relies on their trade to sustain their lives, much like an artisan crafting exquisite pottery or a farmer cultivating bountiful produce. 

Since I m living in Pinjore, we have a women's self-help group that makes local food items, sweaters, socks, etc. I prefer to buy stuff from them.  

Regrettably, these micro-enterprises, especially sole properties and self-help groups (S.H.G) often find themselves dwarfed in the shadows of colossal corporate entities. These larger conglomerates enjoy numerous advantages:

Access to inexpensive loans, often facilitated by government policies, allows them to expand exponentially. This might be akin to a large chain supermarket that can open numerous stores across cities, thanks to ample funding.

With such financial leverage, these corporations continue to build formidable monopolies, slowly annexing market share. A classic example could be a global coffee chain driving local coffee shops out of business.

Consequently, small businesses struggle to survive, ultimately leading to a paucity of competition. The big businesses can then manipulate market prices to their advantage, escalating costs for the end consumers - you and I.

While we frequently laud the efficiencies of large-scale businesses, we must remember: small is beautiful. Small businesses bring with them a personal touch, a sense of community, and often unparalleled quality. 

The flavorsome homemade jam sold at your local farmer's market or the unique, hand-crafted foot mat at the boutique down the street offer irreplaceable experiences.

Alas, without substantial financial resources, these small businesses cannot match the vast public relations machinery of their corporate counterparts. They rely heavily on word-of-mouth and customer loyalty, which is where our support becomes invaluable.

By choosing to patronize local businesses, we're not only bolstering local economies but also encouraging diversity and individuality in the marketplace. 

So, when you extend a helping hand to them, you are essentially helping yourself – fortifying your community, preserving unique local culture, and cultivating more personal relationships.

 It's a testament to the adage – a rising tide lifts all boats.