Small Businesses Create Community
It’s 2022, y’all. We still don’t have flying cars. I still don’t have a robot maid to clean my house. And we’re still living under a pandemic.
But do you know what we do have?
We have an incredible community of small businesses that surround us physically and virtually, and it’s an honor to be part of that community.
The Mermaid’s Garden has connectedness and healing at its core, and that sense of connection is even present in our online shop. From candles to clothing and everything in between, our shop includes items from fabulously talented entrepreneurs.
These small businesses understand what it means to be in community, and it’s a privilege to feature them. What will you be shopping for today?
How Do Small Businesses Create and Support Community?
Pandemic or not, small and micro businesses are crucial to local and national economies. Here are three reasons that small businesses are essential to their communities.
1. They Keep Dollars Local
When you shop at a national chain or big-box retailer, about $14 of every $100 stays local. But when you make purchases from small businesses, a whopping $48 of every $100 remains in the community! Small businesses also frequently support each other through networking and referrals to help keep local dollars circulating.
2. They Create Local Jobs
Nearly 50% of American employees work for small businesses. Small companies generally hire from within their communities and account for more than 60% of new jobs created in the US. Small and micro-businesses also can be more willing to hire individuals without college degrees, removing a costly barrier to meaningful employment.
3. They Reflect Our Diverse World
Entrepreneurship allows individuals of various backgrounds to support themselves and find financial stability. Some important stats include:
Women-owned businesses are the fastest-growing segment of America’s economy.
More than four million small businesses are under minority ownership.
LGBTQ-owned businesses account for $1.7 trillion in revenue.
As our communities become more diverse, so do our local shops, restaurants, boutiques, and more. Small businesses are excellent at reflecting the diversity of their communities in their ownership, workforce, and products.
The Mermaid’s Garden Loves Its Fellow Business Owners
Community is everything if we want to find healing in this world. At The Mermaid’s Garden, we seek to create a safe and uplifting space for everyone. By adhering to the rule of radical welcome, we can serve our community with grace and authenticity.
Part of our funding comes from sales through our online shop, and we invite you to support the small businesses represented there.