Some of our local businesses have suffered the last few years. (There’s a plethora of reasons why, but that’s not what this blog is about!) We’re here to let you know the Burlington community can use some love, and help you find ways to support local businesses beyond just your wallet.
When people hear “support local”, they usually go straight to financially. I’m sure no one would argue that fact, but it’s not the only way. Maybe you’re not in a financial position to be giving as much as you’d like, or maybe you just want to show some extra love to Burlington. Regardless of your “why”, here’s 8 ways you can show love:
Share what you love
If you love a local business, talk about it. Post about it. Tag them in your stories. Tell your friends where you got your coffee, who helped with your injury, where you work out, who to go to for that project.
Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful things out there. And for small businesses, one recommendation can turn into multiple new clients.
Leave a review
It takes maybe 2–3 minutes, but it makes a huge impact.
Google reviews, Yelp, Facebook… they all help people decide where to go.
If you’ve had a good experience somewhere, leaving a thoughtful review helps that business build trust with people who haven’t walked through their doors yet.
Engage with their content
Liking a post, commenting, sharing… it helps more people see that business.
Algorithms favor engagement, so even a quick “this place is awesome” comment can help boost visibility in a real way.
Show up consistently
If you’re already a member somewhere (your gym, a studio, a co-op) one of the best ways you can support them is by actually using what you’re paying for.
Consistency helps businesses plan, grow, and build community. It also makes the space feel more alive for everyone else walking in.
Be a good community member
Be kind to staff. Learn people’s names. Welcome new faces. Create the kind of environment that makes someone want to come back.
Small businesses don’t just run on revenue. They run on culture, and culture is built by the people in the room.
Volunteer your time or skills
A lot of local organizations, events, and even small businesses rely on help behind the scenes.
That could look like helping at an event, offering a skill you have like design or photography, or connecting them with someone in your network.
You don’t have to do a lot for it to matter.
Give feedback (the helpful kind)
If you care about a business, honest and constructive feedback can be incredibly valuable.
Not complaining to others, but actually sharing with the business what’s working and what could be better. It helps them grow and improve.
Supporting local is less about one big gesture and more about small actions over time.
The places you go, the people you interact with, and the community you’re part of don’t exist by accident.
They’re built day by day by people who care enough to contribute in whatever way they can.
Let’s keep doing what we do best at CFB and Burlington in general: supporting one another in any way we can.