There are many definable benefits to be had from buying local.
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Shops and other small businesses whether they offer products, services, or both tend to employ the local people.
On top of that, a lot of smaller independent businesses, and even plenty of franchise or dealer outlets, are actually owned by local people too.
Buying local is also handy whenever you need after-sales support.
The benefits are not just limited to supporting small independent operators either. Plenty of larger organisations also give back to the community in some way, be it through supporting charitable organisations, sponsorship of local sporting or community groups, or even things like DIY and project workshops to improve the knowledge and skills of their local customer base.
Various businesses, organisations and groups also go to various lengths to incentivise buying local.
Governments and councils tend to have policies that encourage it, and chamber of commerce groups organise various things like events, reward programs, and other initiatives.
WHAT TO DO
The simplest thing to do is support the local businesses and organisations who help create local jobs, be it in the manufacturing, hospitality, retail or service sector.
To really care about spending locally, make the effort to find out who it is that owns the shop, outlet, dealership, workshop or mobile service.
Read our 54 page Think Local wrap here.
Message from our Mayors
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM
There are over 13,000 businesses operating in the Wollongong local government area and, based on number of staff they employ, 97 per cent are considered to be small to medium sized enterprises. These businesses are a vital part of our local economy.
Collectively they employ thousands of people, provide essential products and services and help to drive our regional growth. Wollongong City Council greatly appreciates our small businesses and acknowledge the important contribution they make.
We help to deliver business development programs aimed at supporting local operators to grow their enterprises in a sustainable way. Small business operators understand their community and tailor their business to meet local demand. I encourage you think local, engage our small businesses and use their services and products whenever you can.
Shellharbour City Mayor Councillor Marianne Saliba
Support for local business is a key element of Shellharbour City Council's Economic Development Strategy and is central to creating enhanced conditions for economic growth and employment generation.
Indeed, Council has an enviable record of being innovative in assisting local businesses and in facilitating the development of a supportive business environment to enable sustainable business and economic growth.
Shellharbour City Council provides support to local businesses in a variety of ways to assist them to prosper and grow.
Shellharbour City Council has always enjoyed strong relationships with the various Business Chambers in the City and this informs the services and support activities that it provides to local businesses.
Our local businesses provide outstanding products and services, employ local people and make an enormous contribution to the regional economy.
I encourage everyone to support local businesses whenever they can, as the continued success of these businesses underpins the further development and prosperity of our local communities.