In a more than ever unpredictable world, with extremes becoming the norm, people are seeking communities. To bring some order into the fragmented world. To belong, escape isolation, erase differences, connect better. Around the world and in our own backyards, we’ve seen communities come together to support local business operators and people in their communities. Small local businesses, from shops to professional services, reflect the personality of a suburb or a town and are the glue of local communities. They bring people together, providing character, vibe, and individuality to the neighborhoods.

Small businesses impact their local communities in many tangible ways. In fact, you could say that there is no local community without local businesses. 

Community impact and support

Small businesses have a greater community impact than many of us realize. 

Small business owners live and work in their communities. They directly impact the local economy, forming various associations and partnerships, backing other purpose-driven businesses, supporting their community through volunteer work, working hard to provide local jobs, getting involved in community events, and backing local entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Creating local jobs

In Australia, small businesses employ 2.3 million people and account for 98% of all Australian businesses. Every job that is created locally means that more people stay in their community, shop locally, buy locally, rent locally. From one business to another, the money stays local and the community vibe becomes tight-knit.

Small business owners create jobs not just by employing people in their businesses. They make improvements to the buildings they operate from, renovate storefronts, recycle materials, maintain historic buildings giving a sense of charm and uniqueness to their shops.

Unique community identity

Thriving business communities attract more visitors and locals. People love exploring local communities, walking their streets filled with coffee shops, banking, crafts, boutiques, yoga studios, antiques, and more – getting a sense of community identity. Visitors and local shoppers stay longer, stopping for a drink and a chat with their friends and neighbors. Local restaurants reflect in their menus locally grown vegetables and fruits, locally raised meats and game, and local wines, showcasing a unique appreciation for different regions. 

Diverse & locally made 

As small businesses strive to make themselves unique, the community itself develops more personality and character. Unlike large retailer stores carrying products selected as part of their national sales plan, small business operators have the ability to offer diverse and unique products. 

Local business owners have a personal relationship with their customers, a lot of times serving customers at the counter or performing the professional services themselves. With this kind of one-on-one interaction, owners understand what people in their community like, making sure that their products are either locally made, or selected to suit local tastes. 

Local customers are on a friendly basis and give plenty of suggestions, which in turn makes it easier for business owners to understand what’s popular and in demand, and to decide what type of unique wares, clothing, and accessories to offer in the community. 

Boost entrepreneurship

A community with thriving and successful businesses inspires others to follow their passions. Successful business operators foster entrepreneurial activities in their community, mentor startup founders, helping develop a climate favorable to small businesses. This sets the scene with a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and growth – success breeds success.

Local small businesses working together

Local business owners tend to support, engage, and recommend other local business operators. A cafe owner will need the whole range of services, from cleaning, to accounting to legal. Many times, locally based business owners will shop locally, and give their business to other locals, supporting friends and neighbors, creating stronger community bonds and keeping money in the community. 

Locals in turn will be spreading the word about their favorite local businesses and service operators helping them get more business through the door with word of mouth recommendations.  

It pays to be talked about with word of mouth.

Starting your own business and running solo is a lot of hard work and it takes a lot of time, risk, and money. 

At ZippyCrowd we believe that business communities are better when they are built on an ethos of helpfulness. With that in mind, we built a word-of-mouth recommendation platform for trusted service providers and small business operators. Whether you’re working for yourself, trying to promote your own skills, looking for someone you can trust, or referring a friend, we made it easy. And free. 

On a regular basis, we will be showcasing local makers, creators and small business operators trusted and highly regarded by people in their local communities. Know anyone you would like to recommend? Ping us at [email protected], we can’t wait to hear from you.

PS. We’re a startup, and things may not be perfect, but we’re committed. Here is to crack the code of human relationships together.