Support small business in your community
当你支持当地企业时，你就会为你的社区带来改变. Here's how.
小企业是全国各地社区的重要组成部分, and what make each neighborhood so unique. One-third of people support local business by shopping locally every week and 82% of shoppers 当提供类似的选择时，你会选择支持本地企业而不是大公司吗. When you support a small business, 你的钱有助于为你的社区创造就业机会，同时也支持创新和竞争.
Currently, there are about 31.7 million small businesses in the U.S., and they account for 65.1% of new jobs since 2000. 然而，在大流行期间和之后，当地企业需要更多的支持. As of November 2020, 29.7% of small businesses were negatively impacted by the pandemic with accommodation and food services; arts, entertainment and recreation; and educational services ranking as the hardest-hit industries. 在流感大流行期间，黑人主人的宠物数量有所下降 business activity nearly three times higher than other owners.
As one of the leading insurers of small businessesState Farm®深知支持本地农业的重要性. 无论你是想为改善你的社区迈出一小步，还是你已经定期支持当地的小企业, we've got some suggestions — both simple and out-of-the-box — on how to make a difference in your corner of the world.
1. Shop small
在购买任何东西之前，请亲自到当地商店或在网上查询. Or turn to platforms like Bookshop, Lyst和Sook可以帮助你从小零售商那里找书或衣服.
2. Explore and experiment
每个月一次，不要去连锁餐厅或大型五金店，而是去当地寻找替代品. Ask neighbors or check Yelp for recommendations.
3. Skip the middleman
直接从你最喜欢的当地餐馆和商店订购. 第三方快递和购物应用向商家收取高昂的费用，这降低了他们本已微薄的利润.
4. Join a CSA
社区支持农业(CSA)是一个将农民与购买他们新鲜食材的当地人联系起来的系统. Check localharvest.org for CSA options in your area.
5. Buy gift cards
When birthdays and holidays come around, 给当地的水疗中心、餐馆、剧院或其他当地企业送礼品卡. 礼品卡是向别人介绍你最喜欢的人的好方法.
6. Make a donation
慈善机构是当地社区有价值的雇主和提供者. 通过向小型非营利组织捐款或直接向国家组织的地方分会捐款来扩大你的捐赠.
7. Give a "like"
You can also support small businesses without buying. Liking their social media profiles, 留下积极的评论并与你的朋友分享是强有力的口碑广告.
