Think Boise First

Idaho Indie Works is now a proud member of Think Boise First, a group of business owners and individuals working together to promote the local economy. According to their website, here are the top ten reason to shop locally:

BUY LOCAL, SUPPORT YOURSELF

Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, a significantly greater portion of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms - continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

SUPPORT COMMUNITY GROUPS

Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from local business owners than they do from large businesses.

KEEP OUR COMMUNITY UNIQUE

Where we shop, where we eat and have fun - all of it makes our community home and one-of-a -kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of Boise.

REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe contributing to less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

CREATE GOOD JOBS

Small local businesses are collectively the largest employer nationally and therefore provide the most jobs to residents in communities.

GET BETTER SERVICE

Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.

INVEST IN COMMUNITY

Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, are more invested in the community's future.

PUT YOUR TAXES TO GOOD USE

Local businesses in community centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services.

BUY WHAT YOU WANT (NOT WHAT SOMEONE ELSE WANTS YOU TO BUY)

A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long term.

ENCOURAGE LOCAL PROSPERITY

A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

So, the next time you need to find a unique gift or want to eat out, think of visiting locally owned businesses.