At Olive Envy we are passionate about small business and supporting the local economy. With just a few simple choices, collectively, we can make a big impact by thinking twice before we purchase.

There are many ways your dollars—having not been spent on the usual vices—can be diverted to small businesses to help them recover. From pre/post pandemic survival basics to unique gifts, independent shops have got you covered. You know why it’s important to support small businesses, but here’s how to actually do it.

1. Discover new local brands

Take a look around while you’re out in the suburbs. Is there a small grocer you haven’t noticed before? An independent bookstore you haven’t visited? Check with neighbors and review sites to discover local businesses that may become your new favorites.

2. Buy gift cards

We’ll get through this. And once the lockdowns have been lifted, you’ll be back to your usual routine, visiting your favorite sandwich shop, taking a hot yoga class, or buying candles at the markets. Help your usual haunts make it through the lockdown by paying for products and services in advance. Check their websites to see if they offer gift cards or class packs.

On Instagram, Good Neighbour founder Aziz Alam says, “We all miss seeing our wonderful neighbours during this time. As a small, family-owned business that relies on foot traffic to keep things running smoothly we greatly appreciate your support [online]. Gift cards can also go a long way.”

3. Share your favorite stores in your social networks

Did your favorite small business close? Is it paying its employees anyway? Help it stay afloat by paying forward its goodwill. Tell your followers about ways they can support it, like buying gift cards for future purchases. While others in your circles may be looking for gift ideas of their own, share your unboxing experiences or short reviews of products you’ve purchased from small businesses.

4. Reach out

You may have built relationships with some of the small business owners where you usually shop. Reach out and ask what they need right now. If you’re a business owner too, stick together and support your fellow founders—like Pause Beauty, which has committed to giving free pedicures to frontline workers when the risk is over. Think of the online business community as one big self-sustaining Main Street.

Noah Clothing founder Brendon Babenzien urged his followers to “buy something. Not necessarily from us, but from any independent businesses or creative enterprises you believe in, and preferably those that’ve made positive, ethical choices in the ways they create and operate.”

5. Buy birthday and holiday gifts from small businesses

Larger retailers have made it easy to shop, with incentives like free next-day shipping. But if you have a little more time to wait, you can find unique, handmade, or sustainable alternatives at small businesses. Give twice with every gift—your business means a lot to independent brands, especially now.

6. Visit your local farmers markets

Your local market is the perfect place to find a whole lot of small business owners and local producers in one place. Support the markets in your area and don’t forget to visit Olive Envy at Kawana Waters Farmers Market, Yandina Country Markets and Noosa Farmers Market each weekend.

#oliveenvy #kawanawatersfarmersmarket #noosafarmersmarkets #yandinamarkets #yandinacountrymarkets #eatlocalnoosa #seqmarkets #australianfood #noosafoodie #noosaeats #visitnoosa #visitsunshinecoast #noosafood #antipasti #antipasto #visitnoosa #noosahinterland #slowfoodnoosa #innoosa #antipastoqueen #antipastobar #olivestory #oliveshow