March 18, 2021
all, Blog Posts

Discover Bradenton Makes it Easy to #SupportLocal

It’s no secret that many small businesses in Bradenton and Manatee County continue to struggle in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While big-box stores across the country have enjoyed massive sales volumes over the past year, far too many smaller, family-owned businesses have had to shutter their doors.

Unfortunately, when most people need a product or service, they don’t put much thought into deciding whether to use a local vendor or a national chain. It’s not that they don’t care, they just don’t realize the impact their decision can have on their local economy.

Don’t think your spending makes a difference? Consider these facts*:

  • For every $100 you spend with a local business, $68 goes back into the local economy
  • Small businesses donate 250% more to community causes than large businesses
  • Shipping produces 1 billion metric tons of C02 each year

Studies show that if every U.S. family spent just $10 a month at local businesses, it would return over $9.3 billion directly to the local economy! It’s time for all of us to do our part to support the locally owned businesses in Manatee County — and Discover Bradenton is making it easy for you to do!

Next time you need a product or service, skip the big box stores and corporate chains. Instead, head over to Discover Bradenton’s Business Directory to search for businesses that are a part of our local community.

Want to make an even bigger impact? Join the movement!

Sign our “Shop Local Pledge” and you’ll receive a copy of our “Where the Locals Go,” digital guide. It’s full of exclusive deals and discounts from our member businesses.

We’ll also send you a free “Support Local” car decal so you can help spread the word.

In the coming weeks, keep an eye out for even more exciting promotions as we continue to find new ways to support our local community and help #KeepBradentonStrong.

We’ll be posting more local business spotlights, sharing more deals and discounts, and planning some fun events like scavenger hunts and photo contests. Make sure to follow us on Facebook so you don’t miss a thing!

* Fundera: Local Shopping Statistics (2021): Facts on Buying Local
(https://www.fundera.com/resources/local-shopping-statistics)