There’s Never a Bad Time to Shop Small in Western Nebraska

November kicks off National Small Business Month, a time to celebrate entrepreneurs and owners while recognizing their impact on the community. This aligns with Small Business Saturday on November 29 and the greater holiday shopping season. However, Western Nebraska residents don’t have to wait until the end of the year to shop small, they can support local businesses all year long.

“We help entrepreneurs and business owners every day so they can reach their organizational goals,” says Jordan Diedrich, Executive Director of the Twin Cities Development Association (TCD). “But local companies can’t be successful without Western Nebraska residents supporting them. Buying from a small business once can have a much bigger impact locally than visiting a big box store a dozen times.”

This isn’t just a good time to celebrate small businesses, it’s a great part of the year to recognize the customers who choose to shop local. Take a look at the impact mindful shopping can have on the region. 

Shopping Small Keeps Money in Western Nebraska 

Every local purchase sends ripple effects through the community. For every $100 spent at local stores, $68 remains in the economy. Business owners use sales income to work with local vendors (like accountants and printers), pay their employees, and cover their tax bills.  

One of the easiest ways for Western Nebraska residents to get involved in economic development and support the region's future is to buy from local businesses. Everything, from festive lattes bought on cold winter mornings to farm equipment purchases, contributes to the regional economy.

Local retailers retain 289% more revenue for the economy than chain stores do. The money spent at small businesses recirculates up to 15 times, touching multiple companies with each purchase. While it’s easy to buy items online, Western Nebraska residents can make a difference by visiting independently-owned stores first.  

Nebraska Small Businesses are Job Creators

Through local support, entrepreneurs can grow into small business owners who hire employees and create jobs in the region. The salaries paid to these workers further circulate in the Western Nebraska economy, creating new growth opportunities. Between 2021 and 2022, small businesses accounted for 14,180 jobs created in the state of Nebraska – 86.2% of all jobs created in the state.

“When people think about economic development, they tend to focus on major employers bringing in hundreds of jobs,” says Diedrich. “In reality, most economic growth comes from small manufacturers with fewer than 20 employees or new ventures with teams of five people. This small business development adds up to major results.”    

Retail specifically accounts for a large percentage of small businesses in Nebraska, employing 9.8% of all small business workers. It is the fourth-largest small business industry in the state, behind construction, healthcare, and miscellaneous services. This highlights just how valuable local purchases are to the greater panhandle economy. 

Scottsbluff-Gering Has a Growing Entrepreneurial Scene 

The environment is right for entrepreneurs to launch new businesses that support Western Nebraska customers and companies. On study of rural Nebraska micropolitan communities (populations of 10,000 to 50,000) found 48% of small business owners started their own companies, as opposed to inheriting or buying them.

While 34% say they chose entrepreneurship because they wanted greater independence in their lives, 48% of business owners credit their parents for developing their interest in owning their own companies. Most entrepreneurs (61%) say they would be pleased if their children chose this path.

Western Nebraska residents can create the entrepreneurial environment they want to see in the region. By supporting local business owners, they can invest in the current generation of entrepreneurs while laying the groundwork for the next generation to open their doors. 

Pause Before Purchasing This Year to Shop Small 

Not everything can be bought from a small business, but you might be surprised at how much you can find in Western Nebraska at local companies. Pause before you add to cart this year or purchase from a big box store. Make sure you can’t get the same items (or better ones) from local options. Even making a few more purchases locally this year can have a big impact.

Learn how TCD supports small businesses with meeting spaces, networking events, resource sharing, and funding education. If you’re ready to enter the exciting world of entrepreneurship, we’ll be here for you.