Inspiring Minds and Hearts

You hear it all the time – Shop small! Support local businesses! But why is it so important? Think about it. When you shop small, you’re not only supporting that business, but you’re also supporting your local community. Independent businesses help stimulate the economy by creating new jobs and paying sales taxes that go directly toward funding for local schools, parks, public service workers, and more. Not only that, but a successful business also helps to keep the area vibrant, clean, and buzzing with opportunity. Shopping from these small businesses allows consumers to contribute to the cause.  There are more than 30 million small businesses operating in the United States alone, accounting for 99.9% of all US businesses. That’s A LOT of jobs being generated, and a lot of people living out the American Dream. Locally-owned businesses are operated by your friends, family, and neighbors. Being so close to the source makes for better customer service – to them, you’re not just another n