Celebrating National Small Business Week: How Local Spending Creates a Ripple Effect in Laurens County

By Brenda Stewart, Publisher Laurens County Buzz

This article is the fourth in a special series recognizing the vital role of small businesses in our community—and what better time to highlight that impact than during National Small Business Week. Across the country, communities are taking time to honor the entrepreneurs, job creators, and risk-takers who drive local economies. Here in Laurens County, our small businesses are more than storefronts—they’re cornerstones of community, service, and growth.

When you choose to spend your dollars at a local business here in Laurens County, the impact goes far beyond that single transaction. What may feel like a small decision—buying your morning coffee from a local café instead of a chain, hiring a local landscaper, or shopping at a neighborhood boutique—sets off a ripple effect that benefits the entire community.

It’s more than just a purchase. It’s a powerful way to strengthen the economic foundation of Laurens County and invest directly in the place we all call home.

How the Ripple Effect Works

The ripple effect starts the moment you make that local purchase. Consider this example:

• You grab lunch from a locally owned restaurant.

• That restaurant buys produce from a nearby farm.

• The farm hires local workers and invests in supplies from a local feed and seed store.

• The employees at the farm and restaurant then spend their earnings at other local businesses like grocery stores, car repair shops, and salons.

Your one choice to support local keeps dollars moving through our community, creating jobs, funding services, and sustaining the businesses that make Laurens County unique.

The Numbers Behind the Impact

According to studies from the American Independent Business Alliance, for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, around $67 stays within the local economy, compared to only $43 when spent at a national chain. The difference is significant, especially in smaller communities where each dollar plays an important role in sustaining local jobs and services.

Additionally, small businesses tend to source goods and services from other local businesses more frequently than larger corporations. This creates a multiplier effect, where one sale leads to a chain of spending that strengthens the entire local economy.

Why It Matters for Laurens County

The ripple effect does more than create economic opportunity—it fosters community pride, supports local families, and helps maintain the character of our towns. Many of our local business owners are the same people who:

• Sponsor youth sports teams

• Donate to local nonprofits and fundraisers

• Serve on boards and volunteer for community initiatives

When these businesses succeed, they’re able to give back even more, continuing the cycle of growth and goodwill.

Every Dollar, Every Decision Counts

Supporting local doesn’t have to mean spending large amounts of money. Here are small ways your choices can have a big impact:

• Choose local coffee shops, bakeries, or restaurants when dining out.

• Shop at local hardware stores, boutiques, or farmers’ markets.

• Hire local service providers—plumbers, electricians, house painters, and mechanics.

• Attend local events, festivals, and farmers’ markets.

• Share and recommend local businesses on social media or through word-of-mouth.

Together, We Create the Ripple

Each time we choose to support local, we’re helping to keep Laurens County’s economy strong and its community connected. The ripple effect of one thoughtful purchase can lead to more jobs, more community support, and a vibrant place for all of us to live, work, and play.

It’s not just about what you buy—it’s about where and from whom you buy it. Let’s keep the ripple going and continue to build a stronger Laurens County, one local purchase at a time.