Buying Habits

This section evaluates your everyday purchasing decisions. From grocery shopping at local markets to selecting handmade gifts, each choice you make has the power to strengthen your community. Here, we’ll explore how your buying habits support small businesses and ways you might prioritize local over larger or more convenient options.

When grocery shopping, how often do you shop at small, local grocery stores over larger chain supermarkets?

When purchasing gifts, do you actively seek out items from local artisans or small businesses?

When eating out, how often do you choose independent restaurants over national chains?

When ordering takeout from a local restaurant, how often do you order directly from the restaurant instead of through a third-party ordering system (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats)?

Do you usually purchase your coffee from locally owned cafés instead of large chains like Starbucks?

When you need a unique or specialty product, do you visit a local boutique before a large chain store?

Do you use local bookstores instead of large online retailers like Amazon to buy books?

How often do you visit your local farmer's market for fresh produce or goods?

How often do you pay with cash/Venmo to avoid credit card fees for small businesses?

Do you participate in a CSA (community supported agriculture) program?

Yes

No

I don't know what that is! Tell me more! Or, help me find a CSA near me.

Travel

Your travel choices can be a significant extension of your support for small businesses. By opting for locally owned accommodations and eateries, you contribute to the economies of the places you visit. In this section, we’ll see how your travel spending habits align with supporting small business.

When traveling, do you seek out locally owned restaurants?

When traveling, do you stay in locally owned accommodations like boutique hotels or bed and breakfasts?

Events

Attending local events connects you with the community and shows your support for small businesses. This section dives into how often you participate in community markets, fairs, and other small-business-centric gatherings, whether as an attendee or an advocate.

How often do you attend local community markets or fairs?

Have you ever participated in a local 'shop small' event (e.g., Small Business Saturday)?

Yes

No

Learn more about Small Business Saturday events in your area!

Participation / Donations

Your involvement in community-based funding, donations, and volunteer initiatives has a direct effect on the vitality of local businesses. This section covers your willingness to support local startups, community campaigns, and small business initiatives that keep the spirit of entrepreneurship alive in your area.

Do you volunteer or contribute to local business initiatives?

Yes

No

Do you donate or invest in crowdfunding campaigns for local startups?

Yes

No

Do you contribute to community crowdfunding campaigns for local businesses (e.g., Kickstarter, GoFundMe)?

Yes

No

Are you a member of any local community support organizations (e.g., neighborhood, school, or business groups)?

Yes

No

Other

Beyond the usual shopping and dining choices, there are countless other ways to support small businesses. This section examines how mindful you are of using local service providers, choosing independent healthcare providers, and even considering the origin of the products you purchase.

How often do you recommend local businesses to your friends and family?

How important is it to you to know the origin of the products you purchase?

Do you support local service providers (e.g., plumbers, electricians, landscapers, auto shops) instead of using large national companies?

Yes

No

When choosing a healthcare provider, do you seek out independent practitioners or locally owned clinics?

Phone

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