Letter to the Editor: Local Small Businesses Need Your Support
A letter to the editor highlighting the importance of supporting small businesses
Dear Community Members,
May is Small Business Month and in these uncertain economic times, our local small businesses need your support more than ever.
As you may have seen in the news, even large retail corporations with vast resources are reporting declining sales, and many are closing their doors. If companies of that scale are struggling, imagine the pressure on the small, independent businesses that line our streets — owned and operated by our neighbors, friends, and families.
Unlike large chains and corporations, which often benefit from tax breaks and financial incentives, small business owners are taxed an additional 15%, pay higher credit card processing fees, and have fewer resources to weather economic downturns. Like everyone else, they are grappling with the rising costs of inflation — from supplies and inventory to utilities and competitive wages for their employees. Add to that the increasingly high cost of rent in our area, and it becomes clear just how challenging it is to keep the doors open. They rely on every customer, every sale, and every show of community support just to stay afloat.
These local businesses are the heart of our community. They create jobs, they are the names on the back of the youth sports team jerseys, they donate to school fundraising events and local charities, and they offer personalized service you won't get from a large corporation. When you support a small business, you're investing directly in the well-being and resilience of our own community.
Now is the time to think locally. Grab your morning coffee from a local café instead of Dunkin' or Starbucks. Choose to buy a unique Mother's Day or birthday gift from a local crafter rather than a mass produced item you added to your cart on Amazon. Every choice matters — and your support can make the difference between a thriving small business and an empty storefront.
Let’s stand together and ensure that the heart of our community — our small businesses — continues to beat strong.
With gratitude and hope from a local small business owner,
Laurena Smith, Holly St.
Owner, Made in Burlington
