Keeping It Local: Buy Local Season Recognizes the Importance of Supporting Independent Businesses

November 28, 2021 - San Antonio

By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel

This weekend’s Small Business Saturday kicked off Buy Local Season, a month-long campaign that encourages San Antonians to purchase goods from local, independent outfits. 

Earlier this month, during a San Antonio City Council A Session meeting, Mayor Ron Nirenberg presented a proclamation designating Nov. 27 through Dec. 31 as Buy Local Season. The recognition coincides with the launch of the Economic Development Department’s Shift to Buy Local campaign, which aims to bring greater awareness about the benefits of buying local and its impact on the economy. 

“Shifting just ten percent of household spending to local-independent businesses keeps a larger share of dollars in our region, stimulates a multiplier effect, and creates new jobs,” said Nirenberg in a Nov. 19 statement. “Small business owners and their staff have been at the forefront of the Covid-19 pandemic to keep services available to residents in a safe way. We recognize them for the hard work and sacrifice that they have endured and will continue to offer them support in a variety of ways.” 

According to Sustainable Connections, a national nonprofit that recognizes the need to identify and remove barriers that have historically oppressed specific populations, buying local creates prosperity for all communities. Additionally, their research found that choosing local retailers, restaurants, and other service providers circulates $68 back into the economy for every $100 spent. Keeping it local also reduces environmental impact and supports regional culture and identity. 

And can’t you just tell when you’re biting into a taco that was made right here in San Antonio? 

“Our small business community needs support year-round especially as so many continue to be faced with the hardships of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, director of the Economic Development Department in a press release. “I believe that a buy local strategy should be an ongoing effort to help shift the local culture in the direction of buying local.”

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As a part of the Shift to Buy Local campaign, a Buy Local resource guide is underway and will serve as a hub for Buy Local resources to both business owners and consumers. Further information can be found here.

Concurrent efforts include the Buy Local Grow SA initiative, which launched in spring of 2020 and is provided in partnership with the Maestro Entrepreneur Center. The program supports local business owners by providing resources including a small business directory which can be found here.

“The launch of our Shift to Buy Local campaign is focused on the holidays but our strategic efforts to support small business will be ongoing,” said Hicks-Sorensen. 

Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @satx_writer