Tips from neighborhood businesses in the spirit of Small Business Week
For over a year of pandemic closures and hardships, neighbors have continuously shown up to support their struggling neighborhood businesses.
The first week of May is traditionally celebrated as National Small Business Week, but like many other events that have shifted due to the pandemic, the Small Business Administration (SBA) will now be formally recognizing the event in September. However, that doesn’t mean your favorite neighborhood spots don’t deserve the love and recognition this month and all year long.
Hear from small business owners on Nextdoor how you can best support them:
Share a recommendation
Many small businesses say word-of-mouth is the main way they get new customers. Post to the recommendations category on Nextdoor with #SmallBusinessWeek and tag a favorite business. Plus, there are already 52 million business recommendations on Nextdoor, so you can find the most highly-recommended businesses in your area and potentially discover a new favorite.
“As a realtor the best support is word-of-mouth referrals. I have seen neighbors recommend me to others in posts when they are looking for an agent and that is the best support I could ask for. It tells me I am doing something right and taking good care of those who work with me.” –Danielle Martinez, Realtor based in Albuquerque, NM.
Start a conversation
Neighbors often turn to Nextdoor to find advice on home improvement, ideas for weekend plans, and more. Chime in to a conversation to share your personal experience with a business, or comment on a business post to engage with local owners and voice your support.
“The best way to support our business is to create a conversation about our services. Oftentimes people are unaware about the cost-efficient alternatives to countertop replacement.” –Jay Wadhwani, co-founder of Painted Countertops in Atlanta, GA.
Support minority-owned businesses
Make an effort to specifically seek out businesses in your area that are owned by women, people of color, or other underrepresented communities.
“If you put resources into women-owned businesses – or minority-owned and underrepresented businesses – they’ll be able to go out and continue to have a legacy within their communities.” –Aliah Husain, photographer and founder of Raw Portraiture
Shop small, shop local
Ultimately, small businesses need cash flow to stay afloat. Fortunately, in a 2020 Nextdoor survey 75% of neighbors said they are willing to pay more for something at a local business. Think twice whenever spending money to consider contributing to your local economy. You can also check out Local Deals on Nextdoor to find a special promotion, event, or discount nearby.
“It’s wonderful to get shout outs, likes, and comments about people’s experiences. It’s also great when people actually visit the website and purchase my spice blends to enjoy and share with their friends.” –Rita Shelley, owner of Cheeky Spices in Ann Arbor, MI
You can learn more about these business owners at the Nextdoor Business Blog. If you own a business, be sure to read our tips for Small Business Week and create your free Nextdoor business page at business.nextdoor.com to join the neighborhood conversation.
To connect with your local neighborhood, please login at nextdoor.com.
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