Omaha is a vibrant and thriving community, and a key part of its success is the local and independent small businesses that call it home. These businesses play a vital role in the city’s economy, and supporting them is essential for ensuring that Omaha continues to thrive. Here are just a few reasons why it’s so important to support local and independent businesses in Omaha.
- Strengthen the Omaha Economy
- Contribute to the Character of the Community
- Offer a Better Shopping Experience
- Supporting Hopes and Dreams
Learn how these powerhouse business owners are impacting the Omaha community. We think you’ll find more reasons to support local Omaha businesses after reading this article.
Local and Independent Businesses Strengthen the Economy
When you shop at a local and independent business, you’re not just making a purchase – you’re supporting the local economy. According to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in the local economy. In contrast, only $14 of every $100 spent at a franchise or big box store stays in the community. By choosing to shop at a local and independent business, you’re directly supporting the local economy and helping to create jobs and opportunities for your neighbors.
Blane Hunter is renowned as a four-time World-Champion Pitmaster and one of the most decorated competition BBQ guys ever. He has been awarded numerous accolades, such as the America Royal title, but Blane’s greatest triumphs occur in Omaha where he owns Porky Butts BBQ.
Operating one of the most bustling and successful restaurants in Omaha, Porky Butts BBQ is a destination for not only local barbeque aficionados but also those living beyond Nebraska’s borders.
Even though it often goes under the radar, when the smoke clears Hunter is making an immense difference in his community. He’s not only providing jobs for dozens of team members but is going beyond that by supporting local food shelters and schools, aiding struggling restaurant owners, and helping those in need.
In 2022, Hunter was honored with a global Davey Award for his generous work in giving back and lifting the spirits of Omaha residents during the peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Show your Omaha community support for local and independent business owners like Hunter – a shining example of why it matters to support local Omaha businesses.
Contribute to the Character of the Community
One of the things that makes Nebraska such a special place is its unique character and sense of community. Local and independent businesses contribute to this character by offering a diverse range of products and services that reflect the needs and interests of the local community. When you shop at a local and independent business, you’re supporting the businesses that make Omaha and the surrounding communities the unique and vibrant place it is.
The Schmidts, DJ, and Lindy exemplify the values held dear in Nebraska. They have taken it upon themselves to use their small grocery stores in Louisville and Peru as a platform for recognizing those making an impact within their community – by giving business to local products. The Schmidts are true examples of positive change that independent entrepreneurs can bring about with determination and hard work!
Offer a Better Shopping Experience
Shopping at a local and independent business can be a more enjoyable and personalized experience than shopping at a big box store. Local businesses are often owned and operated by people who are passionate about their products and dedicated to providing excellent customer service. You’ll often find that the staff at local businesses are more knowledgeable and helpful than those at larger stores, and they may be able to offer you personalized recommendations or assist you in finding exactly what you’re looking for.
Shopping at Boyd Redinbaughs Men’s Store, The Simple Man is an experience like none other. His in-depth knowledge of the brands he carries and unparalleled expertise cannot be beaten. To top it all off, he may even offer you a complimentary coffee, drink, or chocolate when browsing Omaha’s most unique store for men – clearly surpassing any big-box shopping experience.
Boyd and his wife Emily are just two of the many reasons to support local Omaha businesses.
Support Other Local Businesses
When you shop at a local and independent business, you’re not just supporting that one business – you’re also supporting other local businesses. Many local businesses source their products and services from other local businesses, which helps to create a strong network of interconnected businesses within the community. By supporting local and independent businesses, you’re helping to create a sustainable and self-sufficient local economy.
Despite having incredible success with the opening of his third restaurant in Omaha, Kris Copp of Copps Pizza hasn’t neglected to keep up the tradition of supporting non-profits and other local businesses.
Kris Copp is known for his generous nature. He has an uncanny knack for identifying when a nearby business could use some motivation, then proceeds to surprise them with pizza deliveries for their team – truly remarkable! His strong belief that if you desire success in the world of business, it requires collaboration… rings loud and true.
Showing support for local Omaha businesses also means you’re supporting their hopes and dreams, too.
Supporting Hopes and Dreams
When you support local and independent business owners, you are not just supporting a business, you are supporting the hopes and dreams of an entrepreneur. Starting and running a small business is a risky and often challenging endeavor, and it takes a special kind of person to pursue this path. By choosing to shop at and support these businesses, you are helping to make these hopes and dreams a reality.
“Find something that you can do everyday that puts a smile on your face.” ~ David Losole, owner of Virtuoso Pizzeria
Entrepreneurs are driven by a passion for their craft and a desire to create something new. They are willing to take on the risks and challenges of starting and running a small business in order to pursue their dreams. Business owners like David Losole are a vital part of the fabric of our communities, bringing new ideas and energy to the local economy.
David’s influence in the community extends beyond serving delectable pizza. He is creating employment for Omaha locals and assisting other local business owners. In 2022, he established the Metro Omaha Pizza Alliance to bring together 13 independent pizzerias of Omaha; a monumental moment that highlighted his commitment to helping others succeed as well.
David firmly believes in a “Better Together” attitude. He is aware that the most successful companies today work together with other compatible businesses, combining efforts to gain an edge and increase success for all involved. David wants his local pizza business, as well as those of independent pizzeria owners around him, to reach their full potential and accomplish their hopes and dreams.
By supporting local and independent businesses in Omaha, you are not just supporting the business itself, you are supporting the hardworking individuals behind it. These business owners are often the driving force behind their businesses, working long hours and taking on a wide range of responsibilities to make their dreams a reality. When you support these businesses, you are helping to provide them with the financial stability and resources they need to continue pursuing their dreams.
In addition to supporting the hopes and dreams of entrepreneurs, supporting local and independent businesses also has a range of other benefits for the community. These businesses often contribute to the unique character and culture of a community, offering a wide range of unique and hard-to-find products and services. They also create jobs and contribute to the local tax base, helping to fund important community services such as schools and public parks.
By making a conscious effort to support local and independent business owners, you can help these entrepreneurs pursue their dreams and contribute to the vitality and prosperity of your community. Whether you are shopping at a small boutique, dining at a locally-owned restaurant, or hiring a local service provider, your support can make a real difference in the lives of these business owners and the communities they serve.
Supporting local and independent businesses is essential for the health and prosperity of Omaha. Not only do these businesses strengthen the local economy and contribute to the character of the community, but they also offer a better shopping experience and support other local businesses. The next time you’re shopping in Omaha, consider supporting a local and independent business – it’s a choice that will have a positive impact on the community.
Image Credit of David Losole: Virtuoso Pizzeria
