Throughout the pandemic, the City of Calgary committed to initiatives which show pride in the local businesses that make Calgary special.
The City’s Business Sector Support Task Force has created initiatives and advocated for local entrepreneurs throughout the pandemic, including rallying behind local institutions and newly opened businesses alike through the #SupportLocalYYC campaign.
With Calgary businesses reopened for the summer, supporting local remains of the utmost importance.
“Local businesses make up the fabric of our communities; they are the heartbeat of our neighbourhoods and the spine of our local economy,” says Calgary city manager David Duckworth. “These familiar places and the faces behind them make up the spirit of Calgary, helping us feel connected to our city.”
Here are five reasons to support local, both this summer and beyond.
You Support the Local Economy
A little really can go a long way. Small businesses make up more than half of the retail sector in Calgary at 62 per cent. At that amount, if every Calgarian were to spend just $10 per month locally this year, the city would see an additional 82 jobs along with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increase of $8.3 million.
Your Money Stays in Calgary
Not only does a dollar go further when spent at a local level, it also keeps on giving. Because more revenue is ending up in the pockets of Calgarians, more money is recirculated within the city as well. And it’s no small difference – with local businesses, $58 out of every $100 earned ends up recirculating in the Calgary economy, compared to just $25 out of every $100 with national corporations. It’s a win-win for the whole neighbourhood when you think local.
It Helps Protect the Environment
Products grown and made nearby mean less time and resources are spent getting them to you and, in turn, less transportation emissions are associated with every purchase. This can be even more beneficial when thinking about local foods, which support area farmers. Check out what’s in season and consider buying fresh so you can feel good about your purchase and get a better product in the process. Summer shopping tip — blueberries, strawberries, apples, peppers, tomatoes and much more are in season through July and August.
You Get More Unique Goods
From boutique shops on 17th Ave. S.W. to eclectic wares discoverable throughout Inglewood, finding one-of-a-kind treasures isn’t uncommon when you shop local. Check out one of Calgary’s 15 Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and make a day of your shopping spree.
After working up an appetite with a shopping session, dining local hits the spot. Local chefs and other culinary creators make flavours that can’t be replicated anywhere else, from unforgettable dinners at local restaurants to scoops of inventive flavours at the neighbourhood ice cream shop.
You Support your Neighbourhood’s Identity
Neighbourhoods that have reached iconic status in Calgary can thank local businesses.
“Local businesses are an important factor in making a neighbourhood unique and vibrant. Think of your favourite main street area, or a community like Kensington or Inglewood – now imagine it without any local businesses. Suddenly, the area loses its identity and charm,” says Duckworth. “Local businesses create a livable, thriving place for people, innovation and creativity. “
When spending more at your favourite spot isn’t an option, consider leaving a positive review for the places you love, following and tagging them on social media or subscribing to a newsletter. Offline word-of-mouth recommendations or recounting a great local experience can also have an exponential effect. Be sure to spread the word on the joys of supporting local any way you can.
Businesses can visit calgary.ca/supportlocal to download tools to participate in our support local campaign, as well as find marketing tips to help Calgarians find them.
This content was produced for the advertiser by RedPoint Media for commercial purposes. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Avenue staff.