In shops and neighbourhoods across Australia, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  As we start planning for the festive season, buying gifts and groceries, now is the most important time to shop local and support small business.

Estimates show Australians plan to spend around $50 billion in the six-week lead-up to Christmas with even more cash through tills as Boxing Day sales and tourist trade hits businesses across Australia.

For many businesses, the festive season is the lifeblood which keeps shopfronts open, jobs local and services close to home for all of us.

So many young people get their start in retail trade because of the money we spend locally at Christmas time. So many businesses take risks and make investments because the dollars which flow this time of year make it possible. Many tourist operators, restaurants and other businesses make decisions to operate locally because of the opportunity our local multiplier effect can create for the local economy.

I’m issuing a challenge to Australians this Christmas – think local and shop small.

Through your support and the hard work of millions of Aussies and their small businesses, this can be a merry Christmas for local jobs and for our communities.

As a small business owner you can do your bit too!

Have a look at your customer list and see who on there has a small business that you could purchase your Christmas gifts from. Not only will you be seen to be helping them out financially too but the loyalty factor can be increased as a result.

Don’t stop there, perhaps your friends and family could be encouraged to do that too!

Helping out our local economy financially will increase its financial vibrancy – it’s a win/win for everyone.