Small business week is a great opportunity to support the small businesses in your community. Here are some tips for ways you can support small businesses this week and all year long!
Support pro-business candidates for office
Local, state, and federal policies have a significant impact on businesses. There are many ways to make an impact and support policies that will foster a healthy business climate for your communities.
Research who is running for office in your districts and support candidates that are friendly to businesses. The Colorado Chamber announces candidate endorsements every election year for state level candidates and will release a bipartisan list of pro-business candidates in the summer of 2022. That list will be posted here. You can also contribute or participate to the Chamber’s political program – more details on that can be found here.
Engage with lawmakers on business legislation
On the state level in Colorado, lawmakers convene for legislative session every year from January to May. During this time, you can stay informed on the important bills that could impact the business community and engage with your senators and representatives.
The Chamber tracks legislation that impact businesses every session. Our policy positions can be viewed here and prior results can be viewed here. Reaching out directly to the legislators that represent your district is one of the most impactful ways you can engage in the policymaking process.
For policies on the local and federal levels, you can get involved with the local chamber in your community as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Share and engage on social media
Help promote the small businesses you love in your area by engaging with the business on social media, signing up for their email lists, recommending shops to family and friends, and leaving a good review on their website.
Buy local
When purchasing goods and services, make an effort to support Colorado businesses – from produce, beverages and meats, to other household items and necessities.
Purchase gift cards
You can help a small business and your local economy by buying a gift card for you or a friend. Buying gift cards helps with a local shops’ cash flow which is often a challenge for small businesses. Gift cards also serve as a promise to your local small business that you will be back to their shop or restaurant.
Go to the source
Delivery has made ordering takeout easier than ever, but when you can, consider picking up your order directly from the restaurant or establishment.
Shop online
Consider checking to see if a local business offers online shopping. After the coronavirus pandemic, many shops expanded to online stores so now it is easier than ever to make the switch to shopping local.
Tip generously
Many small businesses have been suffering from worker shortages due to the pandemic and other economic challenges. To help small businesses and their employees, tip generously when possible to support hardworking Coloradans employed by small businesses!