New campaign calls on Pennsylvanians to support their communities by buying small businesses
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – As part of its ongoing mission to support Pennsylvania small businesses, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) joins with Downtown Pennsylvania (PDC), today launched the Give Some Local Love campaign to encourage consumers to make a difference in their communities by purchasing small businesses in their neighborhoods.
“Small businesses are at the heart of the Pennsylvania economy,” said Carrie Fischer Lepore, DCED Deputy Secretary for Marketing, Tourism and Films. “Our ‘Give Some Local Love’ campaign asks Pennsylvanians to buy with purpose and keep their money local. On our Main Streets and in our neighborhoods, Pennsylvania homeowners, manufacturers, tradespeople and experts offer many unique products for you to explore. Supporting our small businesses means supporting our neighbors—the business owners, their employees and families, and their communities. That’s where ‘Give Some Local Love’ comes from.”
“Show Some Love Local” is calling on Pennsylvanians to show their support for family, friends and neighbors this holiday season and year-round by shopping at small businesses. The campaign leverages insights from a recent survey of Pennsylvanians, which found that more than half (56%) shop regularly at local small businesses. When asked why they shop at smaller stores, a majority of Pennsylvanians say they support their local economy (76%) and seek out more unique items (61%). The most popular shopping categories among small businesses include food and beverages, clothing and apparel, and specialty handmade items.
“Local spending is as important as ever, especially in our vibrant downtown Main Street business district and the nearby Elm Street district,” said Julie Fitzpatrick, executive director of Penn’s Downtown Center. Recent research on Main Street Resilience, which has created opportunities for more intentional spending and investment in our own communities over the past few years, shows a 56% increase in local customer spending, and we encourage everyone to continue to provide this support throughout the holiday season and beyond. ” To learn more about the impact of Pennsylvania’s Main Street program on local economic resilience, visit the Downtown Pennsylvania website.
For more information on starting or growing a business in Pennsylvania, the Business One-Stop Shop can help guide businesses through all stages of growth. Located within the Department of Community and Economic Development, the business one-stop shop works with aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners, from planning and launching to operating and expanding.
For more information on the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website and be sure to stay up to date with all our agency news on Facebook, Twitterand LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Penny Ickes, DCED, dcedpress@pa.gov
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