A campaign to support small businesses is encouraging Western Australians to make small changes to their spending habits to encourage the success of their local entrepreneurs.
The Small Business Development Corporation is working with local governments to promote the Make a Small Change campaign, reminding consumers about the importance of considering their local small businesses.
The Make a Small Change campaign will run this year from October 28 until November 3.
From tradies to retailers and service providers, small businesses are vital to a vibrant, diversified economy.
More than 224,000 small businesses are operating in the State, employing more than 491,000 workers and contributing in excess of $48 billion to the WA economy.
By focusing the spotlight on small businesses, the Make a Small Change campaign aims to highlight the significant role these enterprises play in supporting and sustaining the social fabric of local communities.
Some of the small changes being promoted include:
- Purchasing services from local professionals and tradespeople;
- Committing to purchasing some goods exclusively from small businesses, for example buying birthday cards from a local newsagent rather than a large supermarket;
- Recommending a small business to friends and family;
- Considering the environmental impact of purchasing nationally and from overseas;
- Seeking out businesses that offer something unique or unusual;
- Buying from small businesses that sponsor local events, sporting clubs and charities; and
- Sharing the social media posts of small businesses to broaden their reach by using the hashtag #SmallChangeWA.
The Make a Small Change campaign is about making sustainable changes to buying habits and follows on from WA’s Small Business Day, which this year is on Saturday, October 26.
As stated by Small Business Minister Paul Papalia:
“I encourage every Western Australian to support their local small businesses by making a small change to their routines and shopping habits and choosing a local small business not just for this week, but every week of the year.
“If everyone spent just $10 in a small business every month, this would equate to more than $216 million each year to keep these innovative and essential businesses thriving.
“Whether trying out a new café, calling a local tradesperson to carry out the next maintenance job, or buying a gift from the local markets, there are many ways to make a small change to support local small businesses.”
As stated by Small Business Commissioner David Eaton:
“I am thrilled that more than 30 local governments will be supporting the Make a Small Change campaign and encouraging their residents to support local small businesses.
“Small business operators, particularly in regional areas, are highly regarded members of the community who are involved in local community groups, sporting clubs, and have children in the local school. They care about their communities.”
