Australians are being rallied to support small businesses with a new Go Local First campaign.
Run by the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA), Go Local First is about encouraging people to back small businesses by purchasing goods or services from them either in person or online.
The small business sector has taken a hit during the coronavirus pandemic; as small businesses represent a third of Australia’s economic output, so their recovery will be critical to national economic recovery.
Robert Mallett.
Tasmanian Small Business Council CEO Robert Mallett praised the federally-funded initiative, which he expected will reach millions of Australians and encourage them to Go Local First whenever they are contemplating a purchase of any description.
“The campaign highlights the personal nature of our local businesses,” he said. “From the local baker or plumber to the corner laundromat, small businesses together go to make something far more valuable than anything they do or sell. They help to build local communities.”
Mallett said that the TSBC and all its members will be on the front foot promoting this clever initiative which doesn’t tell people what to buy, but before they do make a purchase, Go Local First.
“Small businesses keep millions of Australians in jobs and are responsible for paying wages to more than half of our workforce. They are vital to our everyday lives – especially now in our economic recovery.”
Mallett explained COSBOA research shows three in four small businesses have seen a decline in revenue of up to 75 per cent.
“Unlike big businesses, small local businesses don’t have deep pockets to weather this downturn,” he said. “This campaign is about encouraging Australians to back our many small businesses, to help get them back on their feet.”
small business sector underpins economy
COSBOA figures reveal that 98 per cent of all businesses in Australia are small businesses, employing around 6 million Australians – about half of all people employed in the private sector. Between 2012-13 and 2016-17, small business accounted for almost 60 per cent of jobs growth. A third of private sector output, more than $410 billion dollars, came from small businesses in 2017-18.
“This means they invest in community sport, local charities and school fairs – many of which would struggle without the frequent and generous support of their local small businesses,” a spokesperson said.
“Ultimately, when people spend locally, most of that money stays in the community and keeps Australians in jobs and everyone with the products and services they need.”
As well as encouraging Australian consumers to spend more with small business and small businesses online, the campaign also encourages small business owners to use other small businesses as suppliers.
The campaign will include digital and print advertising, extensive social media, and resources for small business.
