Best Ways to Support Local Businesses Today
Most of us want to help local businesses stay afloat, but knowing exactly what works can feel like guesswork. The truth is that supporting your local economy goes far beyond just shopping locally — it includes government grants, community events, and even marketing frameworks that businesses can use.
Ways to support small businesses (FNBO): 7 ·
Ways to help the community (PAA): 5 ·
Ways to support local businesses (Wandsworth): 12
Quick snapshot
- Local governments provide grants and mentorship through Local Enterprise Offices (Local Enterprise Office, Ireland’s small business agency)
- Supporting local businesses stimulates the local economy (localgov.ie, Irish local authority association)
- Social sharing drives traffic to businesses (FNBO Insights, US bank’s small business resource)
- Effectiveness of specific promotional tactics is not measured by a single metric
- Success rates of local businesses vary widely; a claimed 90% success rate is unverified
- Gift card impact on long-term revenue vs. immediate cash flow is not separately tracked
- Local Enterprise Offices offer ongoing supports; no fixed deadline for applications
- Increased digital adoption and grant schemes like the Digital for Business grant are expanding
The table below summarizes key financial data and actionable ways to support local businesses.
| Key fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Local authority daily support actions (Ireland) | 7 |
| Ways to support small businesses (FNBO guide) | 7 |
| Wandsworth council’s recommended actions | 12 |
| Priming Grant maximum investment (LEO) | Up to 50% of €80,000 (up to €150,000 approved) |
| Feasibility Study Grant maximum (LEO) | €15,000 |
| Agile Innovation Fund project cap | Less than €300,000 |
| Innovation Voucher value (Enterprise Ireland) | €5,000 |
What is the best way to promote a local business?
Use social media to share their story
Social media remains one of the most accessible tools for promotion. Sharing a local business’s story — whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look at a bakery or a new product launch — helps humanise the brand and drives traffic. According to FNBO Insights (US bank’s small business resource), simply mentioning or tagging a business on social platforms can increase its visibility within the local community.
Attend local markets and fairs
Events like farmers markets, craft fairs, and community festivals give small businesses direct access to customers. FNBO Insights notes that “participate in local markets, craft fairs and community events where small businesses showcase their products and services.” These face-to-face interactions can lead to repeat customers and word-of-mouth referrals.
Leave positive reviews online
Online reviews are a powerful form of social proof. Wandsworth Council’s guide recommends leaving positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot. According to Wandsworth Council (London borough authority), “leave positive reviews” is one of its 12 recommended actions to support local businesses.
Buy gift cards and vouchers
Gift cards provide immediate cash flow while giving customers flexibility. The Square guide on Ireland business grants emphasises that buying vouchers is “a great way to give patronage to businesses even if you’re not in a situation to enjoy their product or service.”
Collaborate with other local businesses
Cross-promotion between complementary businesses — a café and a bookstore, for example — extends each other’s reach. The National Enterprise Hub (Ireland’s government business support portal) highlights collaboration as a low-cost strategy for small businesses.
What this means: consistent small actions from community members create compounding visibility for local businesses.
How can you show your support for local industries?
Buy products made locally
When you purchase locally made goods, a higher proportion of that money stays in the local economy. Local Government Ireland (organisation representing Irish local authorities) states that “purchasing local keeps money in the community” and supports job creation.
Invest in local startups or crowdfunding
Platforms like Kickstarter and local credit unions allow residents to directly fund new businesses. Enterprise Ireland (Ireland’s trade and innovation agency) offers equity investments that individuals can support indirectly through local business networks.
Promote local industries on social media
Use your own social channels to highlight local manufacturers, farmers, or craftspeople. The National Enterprise Hub notes that social promotion increases visibility and can attract tourists and new customers.
Attend industry-specific trade shows
Trade shows are not just for businesses. Many are open to the public. Wandsworth Council recommends treating yourself to local experiences, including attending exhibitions that showcase local industry.
Write to local representatives about supporting industries
Engaging with policymakers can influence local economic policy. Local Government Ireland explains that regeneration of town centres and licensing for outdoor amenities are direct results of council engagement with local business communities.
Local industries face a specific challenge: they need both consumer spending and policy support. Community members who write to their local councillor amplify their shopping choices with structural change.
The catch: policy change takes time, but consumer choices create immediate pressure for structural support.
What are 5 ways to help the community?
Volunteer your time
Volunteering strengthens community bonds. The Wandsworth Council guide lists volunteering alongside shopping locally as a core community action.
Donate to local causes
Donating to local non-profits that support small business training or micro-loan funds has a multiplier effect. The Local Enterprise Office offers grants to businesses that in turn often donate to local causes as part of their community engagement.
Shop at local businesses
Direct spending is the most straightforward help. FNBO Insights recommends shopping locally as a daily habit. Each euro spent locally can circulate multiple times within the community.
Attend community events
Festivals, street fairs, and charity runs generate foot traffic that benefits nearby shops. Local Government Ireland notes that local authorities support these events through licensing and infrastructure.
Reduce, reuse, recycle locally
Supporting local repair shops, second-hand stores, and recycling initiatives keeps waste down and money in the community. The National Enterprise Hub includes sustainability supports for small businesses under their digital and green transformation grants.
Volunteering and donating time are powerful but require a time commitment. For busy individuals, shopping locally one day a week may be more realistic.
The pattern: matching action to available time ensures sustained rather than sporadic support.
What are the best ways to support local businesses near me?
Use local business directories
Directories like the National Enterprise Hub help discover hidden gems. Many local chambers of commerce also publish online directories of member businesses.
Visit farmers markets and craft fairs
These are prime venues for finding local producers. FNBO Insights highlights that participation in local markets increases exposure and sales opportunities for small businesses.
Buy gift cards from local stores
As noted earlier, gift cards provide immediate cash flow. The Square guide calls this a “great way to give patronage.”
Order takeout from independent restaurants
Restaurants are among the hardest-hit businesses. Wandsworth Council recommends getting a local takeaway or delivery as a direct, easy support action.
Recommend local businesses to friends
Word-of-mouth recommendations are highly effective. The Wandsworth Council lists recommendations as a low-effort, high-impact action.
The implication: a structured approach combining online and offline actions yields the strongest local impact.
What are the 5 P’s of promotion?
The 5 Ps framework helps businesses plan marketing strategies. According to Square’s business guide, understanding these elements improves how local businesses present themselves.
Product
What the business offers — its quality, variety, and uniqueness differentiate it from competitors.
Price
Pricing strategy affects consumer perception. Local businesses can compete on value rather than discounting.
Place
Location and distribution channels matter. For local businesses, “place” can be a physical store, a market stall, or an online shop.
Promotion
The mix of advertising, social media, events, and public relations used to reach customers.
People
Staff and customer service shape the brand experience. Friendly, knowledgeable employees encourage repeat visits.
When community supporters understand the 5 Ps, they can tailor their help. For example, you might promote a business’s “people” by leaving a positive review about its staff.
The pattern: the 5 Ps give community supporters a vocabulary to discuss business needs with owners and policymakers.
What are the 5 C’s of community?
The 5 Cs provide a foundation for building strong communities. Active engagement in each fosters local resilience and support. These principles are echoed in the approach of Local Government Ireland to town centre regeneration.
Connection
Building relationships among residents and businesses creates a network of mutual support.
Collaboration
Businesses that collaborate on events or joint promotions amplify each other’s reach.
Communication
Open channels between local authorities, businesses, and residents ensure needs are heard.
Contribution
Each person or business contributes time, money, or expertise to the community’s well-being.
Commitment
Sustained engagement — not one-off actions — builds long-term resilience.
The implication: supporting local businesses isn’t a single transaction; it’s a commitment to a cycle of connection and contribution that pays dividends over time.
How to Support Local Businesses: A Step-by-Step Plan
- Discover local businesses using your council’s directory or the National Enterprise Hub.
- Engage daily by shopping locally, leaving reviews, and sharing on social media. FNBO Insights recommends making it a habit.
- Participate in events such as farmers markets and street fairs; Wandsworth Council lists this among its top actions.
- Use financial tools like gift cards and vouchers to provide immediate cash flow (Square).
- Advocate for policy by writing to local representatives, supporting the work of local authorities in regenerating town centres.
Confirmed facts
- Local governments provide grants and mentorship through Local Enterprise Offices
- Supporting local businesses stimulates the local economy
- Social sharing drives traffic to businesses
What’s unclear
- Effectiveness of specific promotional tactics (e.g., post frequency vs. sales lift)
- Claims of a 90% success rate for local businesses are unverified
- How grant uptake varies by region in Ireland
- Gift card impact on long-term revenue vs. immediate cash flow is not separately tracked
Expert perspectives on supporting local businesses
“Attend local events… Participate in local markets, craft fairs and community events where small businesses showcase their products and services.”
— FNBO Insights (US bank’s small business resource)
“Buy vouchers and gift cards… This is a great way to give patronage to businesses even if you’re not in a situation to enjoy their product or service.”
— Square, payment processing platform
“Shop with local independent businesses, social media, leave positive reviews, treat yourself to a local takeaway or delivery.”
— Wandsworth Council, London borough authority
“Regenerating town centres and main streets, supporting local trade through licensing and outdoor amenities, building infrastructure.”
— Local Government Ireland, Irish local authority association
The evidence is clear: local businesses thrive when communities combine direct spending, social promotion, and policy engagement. For the Irish consumer, the choice is simple: buy one extra item from a local shop this week and write one email to your councillor about market-friendly licensing. For the small business owner, the implication is equally direct: invest five minutes a day in community outreach before any advertising spend.
For those interested in learning how to support local businesses in Ireland, many of the same principles apply across different regions.
Frequently asked questions
How can I find local businesses near me?
Use your local chamber of commerce website, council business directory, or the National Enterprise Hub’s search tool. Farmers markets and social media hashtags (e.g., #SupportLocal) also help.
What is the Digital for Business grant?
It’s a grant available through Local Enterprise Offices in Ireland that helps small businesses improve their digital presence. Eligible costs include website development, e‑commerce platforms, and social media training.
How can local enterprise office mentors help?
LEO mentors provide free one‑to‑one advice on business planning, marketing, financial management, and digital transformation. They are experienced business owners or consultants vetted by the LEO network.
How can I support local businesses on social media?
Like, share, and comment on their posts. Tag them in relevant conversations and write positive reviews on Google and Facebook. Consistent engagement boosts their algorithmic visibility.
What are the benefits of buying local?
Money stays in the local economy, jobs are supported, and the community retains its unique character. Purchasing local also reduces environmental impact from transportation.
How can businesses apply for local enterprise grants?
Visit your Local Enterprise Office’s website, submit an expression of interest, and then work with a LEO mentor to complete the grant application. The National Enterprise Hub centralises all applications.
What community events help local businesses?
Farmers markets, street fairs, holiday parades, pop‑up shops, and business‑after‑hours networking events. Check your local council’s events calendar and community Facebook groups.
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