Buy California Small Business First

The “Buy California Small Business First” was created to educate consumers, small and big businesses and their employees, elected officials and government agencies and their staff about the positive impacts of doing business with California Small Businesses First. The three main messages of the “Buy California Small Business First” campaign are Smart, Save and Service.

Smart – to do business with California Small Businesses:

Shopping at a local small business keeps your local community vibrant and well-funded. A recent study conducted by professors at Sacramento State University found that on average $53 more dollars of economic impact were felt in local economies for every $100 spent. These extra monies help fund local community services such as schools and transportation infrastructure.

Save – by doing business with California Small Businesses:

There is no data to suggest that it is more expensive to do business with small business. In fact there are numerous reasons you can actually save money by shopping at your local small businesses. When you shop at a California small business, more of your money stays in the local community. When these extra dollars stay in the community it strengthens as well as broadens the tax base. When the tax base is stable and broad it will help keep rates low and steady while still providing well funded services locally.

Service – is more personal at local small businesses:

Small businesses train staff to specialize in the products and services being sold at their establishments. This provides a real value and an excellent shopping experience because customers’ questions can be answered by someone with an intimate knowledge of the product. If you have an issue with a product purchased from a small business you can call someone directly and will most likely be able to speak to the same person that sold you the product. Excellent personal service is invaluable; California small businesses pride themselves in providing a great experience for their customers. With intimate ties to the community, California’s small business owners and staff have a sincere desire and responsibility to provide the best service possible. When you see a small businesses staff in the local market or at the local fair the relationship moves from transactional to friendship. Creating an excellent shopping experience is a top priority for every small business owner.

What you can do to help:

Fact Sheet

Buy California Small Business First Fact Sheet (PDF)

California Small Business Association