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May is here, and so is Small Business Month—a perfect time to show love to the local businesses that help shape our community. From your favorite coffee spot to the neighborhood boutique, small businesses rely on more than just purchases—they thrive on reviews, referrals, and support from people like you. Whether you have $5 or five minutes, we’ve rounded up 10 fun, simple ways to make a difference. Let’s celebrate, support, and spotlight our local gems all month long. Tag the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce and use #ShopLocalYuma to share how you’re getting involved!
Another calendar page has come and gone and with it, we’re ushering in May and Small Business Month. There’s no better time to show some local love!
Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community. They’re the coffee shops where we meet friends, the boutiques that stock one-of-a-kind finds, and the service providers who remember our names and donate to our causes.
But before you think this is a new call to spend money, know that you don’t need a big budget to make a big impact.
Every purchase (yes, there’s the money, but wait…), referral, and review goes a long way
toward helping small businesses thrive.
Whether you have $5 or just five minutes, we have some creative, fun, and meaningful ways to
Support small businesses this month.
So get out into our community and support those who help make it what it is.
Small Business Is a Big Deal
When we say support small businesses, most people think of our Main Street shops. But “small
Business” is any business that employs under 200 people.
Ask yourself, what percentage of your weekly purchases are done with small businesses? Can
you increase that percentage this month?
Make a list of where you currently do business. Pull out your credit or bank card transactions.
See where your money is going and how that could change this month. For instance, if you visit
Starbucks every day, try a local place on the weekends or swap Starbucks for local out
completely for this month.
How does that feel?
But don’t stop there. There are a lot of things you can do that don’t cost a lot.
10 Fun Ways to Celebrate Small Business Month
1. Shop Small (and Share It!)
When you buy from a local business, snap a photo and tag them on social media. Your shoutout
helps them reach new customers—and shows your support in a way that goes beyond the
checkout counter. Plus, a picture is worth a thousand words, and maybe even a purchase or
two.
2. Leave a Glowing Review
A five-star review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook can boost a business’s visibility and reputation.
Take five minutes to write something kind about your favorite local shop or restaurant—it’s free,
fast, and powerful.
3. Take the “Local Love Challenge”
Try to do one locally focused thing each day this week:
• Monday: Grab coffee from an indie café
• Tuesday: Tag a small business you love on Instagram
• Wednesday: Leave a review
• Thursday: Buy a gift from a local boutique
• Friday: Recommend a local service provider to a friend
• Saturday: Try a new-to-you local restaurant
• Sunday: Post a selfie at your favorite business, add the hashtag #ShopLocal
Or if you want a monthly challenge instead, vow to spend $20 locally at a business you’ve never
tried before or attend an event at a local business.
4. Buy Gift Cards for Later
If you’re not ready to spend much now, consider buying a small gift card for a future visit—or to
give as a birthday or thank-you gift. It gives businesses cash flow now and brings you (or
someone else) joy later.
5. Host a “Small Biz Night Out”
Make a night of it! Plan a dinner with friends at a local restaurant, pop into a few shops, and end
with dessert from a neighborhood bakery. Bonus points if you post about your local adventure
on social media!
6. Introduce a Local Business to a New Customer
Word-of-mouth is still gold. Bring a friend to your favorite store, create a video/reel review on
TikTok or Instagram, or tag someone in a post who might love a business’s products or
services. Your recommendation could bring in a future loyal customer.
7. Get Involved in Chamber Events
Check your local Chamber of Commerce calendar like ours!
https://members.yumachamber.org/events/calendar/ for small business events this month, and
more. These events are a great way to discover new businesses and show your support in
person.
8. Support Local on Social
Can’t spend right now? That’s okay! Like (use the love emoji instead of just the thumb up),
share, or comment on small business posts. It only takes a second to post a sticker or an emoji
as a comment. Help them beat the algorithm and reach more people. Engagement matters
more than you think.
9. Ask Businesses What They Need
Sometimes the best way to help is to ask. Maybe they’re looking for volunteers, help spreading
the word, or even someone to test a new product. Your time and skills could be just as valuable
as a purchase.
10. Celebrate Them Loudly and Proudly
Know a small business owner doing great work? Celebrate them publicly! Write a LinkedIn or
Facebook post recognizing their contribution. Gratitude is contagious—and so is support.
Small Business Month is more than a campaign—it’s a reminder that we all play a role in
shaping the success and culture of our community.
So this May, let’s think small, act big, and show our favorite businesses just how much they
mean to us.
Let us know how you’re supporting local this month—tag the Yuma County Chamber of
Commerce and use #ShopLocalYuma so we can cheer you on!
Think Small, Act Big: Fun Ways to Boost Local During Small Business Month
