We have all heard the importance of supporting local. But why? I’ve heard many reasons, and I understand most of them. So I decided to ask AI (Artificial Intelligence) to see if it could me understand, or at least explain in a different way. Here’s what I asked?

1. What is considered a local business?

2. Why is it important to support local business?

3. Why is it important to support local even when it may be more expensive?

We are Omni-Versal and if you’ve ever heard or said, “I didn’t know we had this in El Paso!” You’re in the right place. We want to shine some light on El Paso’s unique businesses, artists, and events. We are a secret dimension for El Paso’s best kept secrets!

In El Paso we value price. Many times we pick our businesses based on how it fits our budget. We have many local businesses, and chain businesses. Many times the local business will have a higher price tag, but we may be buying more than what is on our receipt.

What is considered a local business?

A local business typically refers to a small-scale enterprise that operates within a specific geographic area, such as a neighborhood, town, or city. While there is no universally defined size or scope for a local business, they are generally independently owned and operated, as opposed to being part of a large national or multinational chain.

So we have laid the groundwork and established what a local business is. Here’s a little more:

Key characteristics of a local business include:

1. Ownership: Local businesses are typically owned by individuals or families residing in the local community. The owners are often directly involved in the day-to-day operations and decision-making processes.

2. Location: Local businesses have a physical presence within the community they serve. This can include storefronts, offices, workshops, or other brick-and-mortar establishments.

3. Community focus: Local businesses primarily cater to the needs and preferences of the local community. They often tailor their products, services, and marketing strategies to the specific demographics, culture, and demands of the area.

4. Size and scale: Local businesses tend to be smaller in scale compared to large corporations or chain stores. They may have a limited number of employees and operate on a smaller budget.

5. Supply chain: Local businesses may prioritize sourcing their products or services from local suppliers, manufacturers, or producers, supporting other businesses within the community.

6. Community engagement: Local businesses often actively participate in community events, support local initiatives, and build relationships with residents and organizations. They play a role in fostering a sense of community and contributing to local development.

It's important to note that the definition of a local business can vary depending on the context and specific region. Some communities or organizations may have their own criteria or definitions for what constitutes a local business.

Local business owners, would you agree with the above? There are some really interesting points.

Why is it Important to support local business?

Supporting local businesses is crucial for several reasons:

1. Economic growth: Local businesses are the backbone of the community's economy. When you support them, you contribute to local job creation and economic growth. This, in turn, helps to build a strong and resilient local economy.

2. Unique character and diversity: Local businesses often offer unique products, services, and experiences that reflect the local culture and character of the community. They contribute to the diversity and vibrancy of the area, creating a sense of place that distinguishes it from generic chain stores.

3. Community development: Local businesses are more likely to invest in the community. They tend to source their goods and services locally, which supports other local businesses, suppliers, and farmers. Additionally, local business owners are often involved in community initiatives, sponsorships, and events, fostering a sense of community cohesion and development.

4. Environmental impact: Supporting local businesses can have positive environmental effects. They generally have shorter supply chains, reducing transportation-related carbon emissions. Local businesses are more likely to use sustainable practices, source locally produced goods, and contribute to the preservation of the local environment.

5. Personalized service and expertise: Local businesses often prioritize providing exceptional customer service. They take the time to understand the unique needs of their customers and offer personalized recommendations and assistance. Local business owners are typically experts in their field and can offer specialized knowledge and expertise.

6. Job creation and employment opportunities: Local businesses are significant employers in the community. By supporting them, you help create and sustain jobs, providing employment opportunities for local residents. This improves the overall economic well-being of the community.

7. Stronger social connections: Local businesses are often gathering places where people can connect and build relationships. They foster a sense of belonging and community pride by providing spaces for social interactions and creating opportunities for people to come together.

8. Fiscal responsibility: When you support local businesses, a larger portion of your money stays within the community. Local businesses pay taxes that contribute to local infrastructure, public services, and community development. By supporting them, you indirectly support the overall well-being of the community.

This is what is not on your receipt. You are indirectly contributing to better infrastructure, public services, and community development!!

Why is it important to support local even when it may be more expensive?

From a strictly financial perspective, visiting a local business over a chain business, even if the local business is more expensive, can still be beneficial for the following reasons:

1. Economic Impact: Supporting local businesses helps to stimulate the local economy. When you spend money at a local business, a larger portion of that money stays within the community. The local business owner is more likely to spend their earnings locally, supporting other local businesses, suppliers, and service providers. This circulation of money within the community helps to create jobs, generate tax revenue, and foster economic growth, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

2. Unique Products and Services: Local businesses often offer unique and specialized products or services that may not be available at chain businesses. While these products or services might come with a slightly higher price tag, they can offer better quality, craftsmanship, or customization. By opting for local businesses, you have the opportunity to access and support these unique offerings, enhancing your overall consumer experience.

3. Personalized Customer Service: Local businesses often provide more personalized customer service compared to chain businesses. Local business owners and their staff tend to have a deep understanding of their products or services and can offer tailored recommendations and assistance. This personalized attention and expertise can result in a better customer experience and more satisfactory purchases.

4. Enhanced Community Character: Local businesses contribute to the unique character and identity of a community. They often reflect the local culture, history, and preferences. By supporting local businesses, you help preserve the diversity and distinctiveness of your community, making it a more vibrant and appealing place to live or visit. This, in turn, can have positive effects on property values and overall community desirability.

5. Environmental Considerations: Local businesses often have shorter supply chains and may be more likely to source products locally, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Additionally, local businesses are often more inclined to adopt sustainable practices or support environmentally friendly initiatives. By supporting them, you indirectly contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious local economy.

While the immediate financial cost may be higher when choosing a local business, the long-term benefits to the community, local economy, and overall consumer experience can outweigh the price difference.

Final thoughts

The second and third question resulted in very similar answers. But it stayed consistent and truthful. Here are some takeaways:

• Local businesses do cater to locals. For example, in El Paso, green chile, or mazapan flavors. This would not be available in the midwest. Why would it be?

• If we support each other from business to business, and consumer to business, we can create an ecosystem where we can be self-sustaining. We keep all the revenue within our community instead of sending it out to corporate headquarters!

• There is greater value in what you are INDIRECTLY paying for. $80 to a chain vs $100 to a local business. Chain - $20 stays, $60 leaves the community. Local $80 stays, $20 leaves the community. It is what you are paying for that is not on your receipt!

The flip side of this is how much we accept AI. I don’t think this said anything controversial that may not be accurate or terribly misinterpreted. Either way it was an interesting experience to ask these questions to an AI platform and experience the responses it gave to my questions.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. As a business owner. Consumer. Did this change your perspective in any way? Free yourself from the chains! ⛓️

Here’s a good place to start. We have some local businesses that offering you discounts and are waiting for you to become their regular.