Celebrating the vibrant small businesses in our region and their contribution to the economy is all part of Small Business Month during October.
When $100 is spent at a small business that is owned and operated by a local resident $71.25 remains in the local economy. If the same spend is made at a locally owned franchise, $52.65 of that $100 remains in the community compared also with only $4.30 remaining in the local community from shopping online.
Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Josh Black said small businesses are a vital part of our local economy.
“They provide employment opportunities for residents and support our thriving community. Shopping local has a major impact on our region. It ensures that more of the money that we earn stays here and supports local jobs, businesses and services.
“We have businesses that have been open and operating in our region for decades and other businesses that are new or only recently established,” Clr Black said.
Dubbo’s Macquarie Valley Blinds and Awnings is one business that has been operating in the Dubbo region for decades.
This year they mark 35 years in business. The family owned and operated business employs local people, supports other local businesses and manufactures products right here in Dubbo.
Macquarie Valley Blinds and Awnings Directors Trish and Phil Shields said they are proud to be able to manufacture most of their products right here in the Dubbo factory.
“We love the personal nature of being a small business. We’re able to have real control over the quality of what we produce, and our customers deal with people they know throughout the process.
“We’re incredibly proud to have been part of the Dubbo community for 35 years. We’ve watched the region grow and change, while continuing to grow our business and our family alongside it. For us, small business really is about being part of the community we live in,” Mr and Mrs Shields said.
Residents can support small businesses by shopping locally and keeping money circulating within the region. By doing this, residents are investing in our region, our people and our future.
