Leadership Notes: Shopping small has a big impact on local businesses

Summer is in full swing in OKC! There is plenty to do and see and opportunities abound to support small businesses in the area. Businesses typically see a sales slump during the summer months. The dip is tougher on small local vendors who can’t weather the financial storm as well as national companies. According to the Small Business Administration small businesses account for 99 percent of ALL U.S. businesses.

This month our “Stand Tall, Shop Small” campaign is back to remind people about the importance of supporting small, local businesses. Oklahoma City just wouldn’t be the same without Shop Good’s hand-printed t-shirts, Tin Lizzie’s unique gifts or Neighborhood Jam’s made-from-scratch biscuits. What about Plenty Mercantile, Bricktown Brewery and Stella Nova? I could go on and on. These are just a few of the fantastic local businesses that help make Oklahoma City so wonderful and unique.

You can help local business owners keep their momentum going by being intentional about where you’re spending your money. Seek out local vendors as much as possible. From banks, restaurants and boutiques to plumbing, dry cleaning and auto repair services, the list of local businesses is quite impressive.

Think of the local shops or restaurants that you would really miss if they weren’t there and make a plan to stop by this month. Thank you for supporting small businesses in Oklahoma City!