Supporting Local, Strengthening Community: The Power of Shopping Small
Published on November 27, 2024
As the holiday season kicks into full gear, Small Business Saturday—celebrated annually the Saturday after Thanksgiving—offers the perfect reminder of the vital role small businesses play in our community. This year, on November 30, residents of Maricopa have a unique opportunity to make a direct impact on our local economy by shopping small and supporting the entrepreneurs who help make our city thrive.
The City of Maricopa's Commitment to Small Businesses
The City of Maricopa is deeply invested in fostering a vibrant small business ecosystem. Through initiatives, events, and policies aimed at reducing obstacles, Maricopa is creating an environment where local entrepreneurs can flourish.
A key part of this strategy? Eliminating the need for small business licenses, which helps entrepreneurs focus on what they do best—innovating, creating, and serving their customers—rather than wrestling with red tape.
Beyond these efforts, the City of Maricopa hosts some of the region’s most anticipated events—like Copa Cultural, the Great American 4th, and Merry Copa—which act as powerful platforms for small businesses to showcase their products and services to thousands of local shoppers.
“It’s estimated the City of Maricopa loses approximately $1.3 billion every year to neighboring cities because residents aren’t shopping locally. We want to change that,” said Mayor Nancy Smith. “By supporting our local small businesses this holiday season—and year-round—we can help keep those dollars right here in our community.”
The Ripple Effect of Shopping Small
When you choose to shop local, the benefits ripple out far beyond the business you’re supporting.
“Economics point to studies that suggest 68 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays within the local economy, generating an additional 48 cents in activity,” said Mayor Smith. “That means your purchases have a far-reaching impact on the community.”
Small businesses also tend to support one another—sourcing products and services from other local vendors, building a robust network of interconnected support. This creates a thriving economic ecosystem where everyone benefits.
“For every dollar spent here in Maricopa, that same dollar circulates through our community up to seven times,” explained City Manager Ben Bitter. “So, every dollar really does count.”
How You Can Get Involved
The City of Maricopa encourages everyone to embrace Small Business Saturday—and make it a habit to shop local all year long. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Shop Local: Explore local stores, markets, and events like Merry Copa for your holiday shopping and everyday needs.
- Spread the Word: Share your favorite small businesses on social media using hashtags like #ShopSmallMaricopa and #SmallBusinessSaturday.
- Leave Reviews: A simple positive review online can increase visibility and help attract new customers to local businesses.
- Gift Small: Support small businesses with thoughtful gift cards for local restaurants, spas, and shops.
As we approach another holiday season, remember: every purchase is a vote of support. This Small Business Saturday, let’s come together to uplift the businesses that are at the heart of the City of Maricopa. By shopping small, we help these businesses not only survive, but thrive—creating a stronger, more resilient community for all.