IL'ove Local

All across Illinois, small businesses provide our communities with good jobs, quality customer service, and the character that makes our cities, towns and neighborhoods feel like home. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses make up an astonishing 99.6 of all businesses in Illinois.
 
That's why from Chicago to Carbondale, from Abingdon to Zion, Illinois chambers of commerce and small businesses are coming together in this time of unprecedented challenge to share resources, build community and unite to champion small businesses across the state.  The Schaumburg Business Association is proud to take part.
 
Meet ILove Local, the IACCE's weeklong statewide initiative to encourage shopping locally.

Why support local Illinois businesses now?
 
Now more than ever, Illinois small businesses need your support! Here’s just a few of the reasons why:
 

• • 40-60% of small businesses that close after a disaster never re-open (Source)
• • 93% of shoppers say that they prefer local retailers (Source)
• • Small businesses account for 99.6 of businesses in Illinois (Source)
• • Each dollar you spend at a local business returns 50 times more money to your local economy. (Source)
• • Collectively small, local businesses are the states’ largest employer. (Source)
• • Small businesses employ more than half of working class in the United States (source)

• • Stay healthy by staying home! Most importantly, we urge everyone to stay home as much as possible and follow social distancing and health guidelines if you do go out. Not only are you protecting the health of you and your family, but your fellow community members and the employees at your favorite businesses.

• • Buy a gift card! Plan your next night out or stock up on gifts! Buy a gift certificate from your favorite local shop, theater, restaurant or service provider to gift to a loved one, or treat yourself later!

• • Buy local online! If your favorite restaurant, store or service provider offers online ordering or other virtual ways to support, choose them over giant e-retailers, or reach out to see if you can buy from your favorite store now to pick up later.

• • Get social! Follow your favorite local spots on Facebook and Instagram for frequent updates on their health & safety practices, schedule, and events & specials.

• • Take virtual classes! If your favorite gym or art or music school is offering virtual classes, sign yourself or your family up for some fun, enriching activities while staying home.

• • Keep your memberships! If you have a membership for a gym, music or art classes or other activities, if you are able to do so, please keep your membership even if you can't be there in person.

• • Show some love on social! Give your favorite business a positive review on Yelp, Facebook or Google Reviews to lift spirits and their online presence during this time. 

• • Don't be afraid to reach out! If you're a regular somewhere, stop in, give a call or send an email asking how you can be supportive.

• • When ordering takeout or delivery, pay it forward! Order from your favorite restaurants to help keep them afloat, and tip generously to support their employees—every little bit helps during this tough time!