From your favorite lunch spot to that funky art gallery, our local small businesses are a beloved part of what make our hometowns feel like home. We rely on them daily – and they need us, too. If you’ve got a little extra to spare these days, here’s how you can help out your local small businesses.

How to Support Local Businesses Anytime of Year

1. Buy local whenever you can. When it comes time to stock up on pantry staples, think about supporting that mom-and-pop shop first. The American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) has fascinating data about how locally owned businesses generate larger “local economic multipliers.” Your support might make a bigger impact than you think.
2. Order takeout or delivery from your favorite local restaurants. Extra perk: No dishes.
3. Buy gifts for friends or family. Is it crazy to think about starting your holiday shopping in the spring? You’ll thank yourself later – and, hey, it’s something to pass the time! (Read our list of tips for safe online holiday shopping.)
4. Leave a generous tip. Servers and bartenders rely on tips. If you have it to spare, throw a few extra dollars their way. (And don’t forget to tip the delivery driver!)
5. Buy merch or other gear. We get it – you can only order so much takeout, especially if you’re not getting your usual number of steps in. Think about buying a coffee mug, T-shirt or ball cap to show some local love.
6. Buy some cool art. Websites like Etsy make it easy to search by location and find artists in your community. Some local artists might be doing “draw-alongs” or other livestreams. Add them to the list of folks who would appreciate a digital tip, too. (Keeping the kiddos occupied with art projects of their own? Read our list of 5 stylish ways to display children’s artwork.)
7. Leave a positive review. If you’re short on cash, boosting a local place’s reputation is worth its weight in gold. While you’re at home, type up a couple good comments for your favorite spots to leave on social media or search engines.
8. Check with your local chamber of commerce or small business association. Local groups might be planning events, discounts, or promotions unique to your area. Get connected and see what’s happening in your neighborhood.
9. Pay it forward. If you’re fortunate to have some steady cash flow right now, remember that others might not. Consider treating the next person in line behind you – or making a donation to a charity that helps the less fortunate in your community.
10. Buy gift cards or gift certificates. Stock up now and treat yourself to a night on the town. For places you rely on regularly – for example, your hair salon – buy an extra service or two now if you can, since you know for sure you’ll use it in the months ahead.

Local Gift Card Reimbursement Coverage

Good news: At no additional cost, we’re automatically adding local gift card and gift certificate reimbursement coverage to your ErieSecure Home® policy. (Availability varies by state, so check here to see when the coverage will be available in your area.)

We hope your favorite local shop remains open for years to come, but this additional feature would reimburse you for remaining balances on eligible gift cards that can no longer be used at independently owned and operated businesses if they permanently close.

Talk to Your Local ERIE Agent

At ERIE, living local is what we’re all about. There’s a lot of ways to buy insurance these days – but for more than 95 years, we’ve been proud to work with local insurance agents who live and work in the communities you do. Talk to a local agent in your community or learn more about what makes ERIE different

ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Whitbeck Insurance Exchange, Whitbeck Insurance Company, Whitbeck Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Whitbeck Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York).  The companies within the Whitbeck Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.

The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time. 

Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. 

The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states.  ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York.  ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York.  ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York. 

Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.

Whitbeck Insurance Agency can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.