Fall and winter are busy times for all of us. Between year-end bookkeeping, social (distance) engagements, busy storefront hours, and personal holiday shopping, it's no wonder these months fly by. And this year is no exception - plus we have the added stress of rapidly changing safety precautions. It's enough to overwhelm anyone. But it doesn't have to be when we take advantage of our community resources! 

Locally-owned, independent businesses keep our economy stable. They keep capital circulating, create jobs, and build a sense of place. Shopping at big box stores and ordering from suppliers across the world means that your dollars leave West Michigan. This destabilizes our economy and makes us vulnerable. 

Our local businesses are still recovering from the ongoing pandemic. They are depending on us to put local first before, during, and after the holidays. Put your money where your mitten is and let us streamline your holiday cheer! 

Shift Your Spending

Vote with your dollars this holiday season! Over the next several weeks, Local First will be fleshing out eight ways you can shift your spending to locally-owned businesses across West Michigan. Follow along with us on Instagram and Facebook. Here's a sneak peak of how you can shift your spending starting on November 1st:

Nov. 8-14	Nov. 15-21
Nov. 22-28	Nov. 29-Dec. 5
Dec. 6-12	Dec. 13-19
Dec. 20-27	Dec. 28-Jan. 3

Your favorite locally-owned businesses are also hosting a slew of fun holiday events and providing holiday discounts. Search for discount opportunities and event offerings by using the Local First's online directory. 

Scavenger Hunt

We're also hiding our themes within the directory. If you find them, click them and be entered to win a Localist treasure!

Love Your Locals

Voting with your dollars is an important part of fostering a vibrant and inclusive economy, but it's not the only way to show West Michigan’s locally-owned businesses some love. It's no secret that this has been a difficult year for many. Give your favorite locally-owned businesses some love using Local First's "Gift Local" Facebook frame and/or sharing the fillable "Love Your Locals" Instagram story image, and utilizing the six ideas in the image below. Also consider sharing out your local business love by tagging @LocalFirstWestMI and the business(es) you support and/or using the hashtags #GiftLocal, #PeopleFirstEconomy, and #SupportLocal on any of your social media posts.

We're so grateful for a strong local business presence in West Michigan! Thank you for shifting your spending to local businesses this Holiday Season!