20 Ways to Save Money While Supporting Small Businesses

Who says you can only save money and support others by not spending any?

Cyra Sanchez
January 31, 2025
5 min read

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Buying locally needn’t bust your budget if you use sales promotions, loyalty programs, and bundled discounts. It’s also possible to save money without compromising quality by purchasing generic or store-brand items from small businesses. By supporting community-based services rather than national chains, you can help keep your community’s economy thriving, while keeping your budget in line.

1. Shop Local Markets

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Immerse yourself in local markets with memorable products. They include artisan products, fresh produce, and unique items not available in big-box establishments. Not only do you score unique products by shopping here, but you also support local artisans and farmers, often at surprisingly competitive prices.

2. Attend Community Events

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Participate in community events such as craft fairs, pop-up shops, and local festivals. These gatherings highlight small businesses and offer special deals. Participating can mean discovering new favorites, getting a discount, and fostering community spirit.

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Follow your local businesses on their social media accounts. Many small businesses will post exclusive offers and flash sales for their followers. One especially timely way to continue to connect online is to support these enterprises.

4. Buy in Bulk from Local Suppliers

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Buy non-perishable products in bulk from your local vendors. Bulk purchases are typically discounted and result in less packaging waste, which saves money and supports local wholesalers.

5. Participate in Loyalty Programs

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Sign up for small businesses’ loyalty programs. These programs offer incentives to repeat customers, such as discounts, freebies, or exclusive offers. It’s a break-even delivery service for people who want to save on delivery while supporting local businesses.

6. Volunteer Your Skills

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Provide your professional services to small businesses in trade for products or services. This barter system can be a win-win, offering you goods in exchange for helping the business grow. It’s a great way to save money while growing community connections.

7. Purchase Gift Cards

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Purchase gift cards from local shops, whether from operating your own or as gifts. This supports the business right away, often with added value like a bonus amount or discounts for the future. It’s a thoughtful way to support your community’s economy.

8. Attend Workshops and Classes

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Take a class or workshop from a small business. It just happens that these sessions are usually cheaper than big institutions and offer personalized teaching. This is how the money stays in the community and makes your personal development way richer because you don’t just learn new skills but new experiences and knowledge you wouldn’t ever have outside.

9. Use Local Services

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Choose local service providers for things like household repairs, maintenance, or personal care. They’re often able to provide competitive rates and personalized service. Selecting them instead of national chains benefits the local economy and can be cost-effective.

10. Participate in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

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Join a CSA to get seasonal produce straight from local farms. This subscription model generally has less than retail prices and guarantees that you receive quality, fresh food. Supporting CSAs is also a boon for local agriculture and provides healthy options for your household.

11. Attend Local Fundraisers

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Attend fundraisers that benefit small businesses or organizations in your community. These typically include auctions, raffles, or selling special or one-off items at reasonable prices. Your donations directly support local efforts and can lead to amazing discoveries.

12. Use Local Transportation Services

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Use local transportation, such as community shuttles, bike shares, or independent ride (car) services. These alternatives can be cheaper and support local operators. It’s an environmentally friendly, budget-minded way to explore while supporting local businesses.

13. Support Local Artists

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Buy art, music, or crafts directly from local artists. The art pieces are often one-of-a-kind and less expensive than mass-produced items. Styling your home with local designs injects personality into your space and helps sustain the creative community.

14. Dine at Family-Owned Restaurants

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Dine at family-owned or independent restaurants instead of chains. Such establishments are also known for signature dishes at reasonable prices. Eating locally adds value to the experience and helps support local chefs and personnel.

15. Use Local Print Shops

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Use local shops for your printing needs (not big corporations). Local printers can provide great service and good prices, which can help local businesses and may result in better quality and service.

16. Attend Local Theater and Performances

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Attend local theater and performance groups’ shows. Tickets can be cheaper than at big-name venues and deliver intimate, one-of-a-kind experiences. You enjoy local arts and enrich your cultural life while sustaining community talent.

17. Shop at Local Bookstores

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Buy books from independent bookstores. They typically provide curated offerings and customized suggestions. There can be price competition, and your business helps keep these cultural centers afloat.

18. Use Local Fitness Centers

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Participate in locally-owned, not national chains, gyms, and fitness studios. Local centers often have lower membership fees and provide a more individual approach. Getting into shape while helping local establishments is good for your health and the community.

19. Hire Local Freelancers

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Hire local freelancers for specialized tasks such as graphic design, writing, or photography. Freelancers can deliver high-quality work at reasonable prices, which is a cost-saving method that promotes local talent.

20. Participate in Local Exchange Groups

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Participate in local exchange or barter networks that operate for free or a small fee, where members trade goods and services. It is a system that lets you get what you want without putting out cash. It’s a clever way to save on groceries and forge neighbor-to-neighbor links.