For locally-owned businesses, community is more than where you do business. It’s one of your most valuable assets. Community involvement has always been at the heart of small business, and it’s essential for your business’ growth and stability.
When retailers are actively engaged in their community, with local organizations, and with trade associations, they are stronger, more resilient, and see more long-term success.
Being involved in your community builds meaningful relationships with customers, ones that national and online retailers have a hard time replicating. When shoppers see your business supporting local events, donating to fundraisers, sponsoring a youth sports team, or linking arms with other local businesses, they feel a personal connection. That connection translates to customer loyalty, repeat traffic, and genuine referrals that money can’t buy.
Community engagement strengthens your brand identity, helping you become an integral part of your neighborhood, not just another place to shop. It can also make your business more appealing for employees who want to be a part of an organization involved in their community.
A strong relationship with your community adds an extra layer of strength to your business. Your neighbors rally around businesses they feel connected to. During economic challenges, natural disasters, and other unexpected disruptions in business, your community’s support can make all the difference in your ability to recover.
Your local community supports you in many ways, but “community” goes far beyond those physically near your business. You can find community in many places, like local organizations, trade associations, and peer groups.
Local organizations can provide resources, recommendations, and referrals. Trade associations, like MRA, provide industry-specific resources and support, and are advocates for your business. We provide practical tools, guidance, and insights that help your business operate smoothly.
Engaging in community is a powerful way to gain support and recognize new opportunities. Seeking out different forms of community–locally and beyond–will serve your business well. These connections help small businesses succeed, and when retailers thrive, communities flourish.