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There’s something special about small businesses in Natchez, like in any smaller community. These are not just shops and services – they are neighbors, friends, extended family, nice people you see literally every day, and they make the town feel like home. 

When members of the community decide to buy something from the local businesses, it is their own community they are helping. 

Supporting local businesses doesn’t always mean spending lots of money buying fancy products in hippie-eco-nature-friendly shops. This is a stereotype that is far from reality, and reality is that there are real people behind normal services like coffee shops, delivery, garden management, etc. 

In fact, even small actions without spending money can make a big difference. People can attend a fair, leave nice feedback online, post about their favorite local restaurant on social media, and so on. Every bit of support helps.

Moreover, younger people have higher chances of staying busy, finding their first jobs for some pocket money while studying, and wanting to maybe stay in such a community, which is a big deal for many parents. 

Here are a few easy and practical ways people in Natchez can support their local businesses this month. 

Order Takeout or Dine In Locally

Natchez is full of great places to eat. There are many small family-run restaurants for any budget. If you order takeout from a local spot even once a week or two, this can help them keep their doors open and actually keep the community business chains alive. 

If time allows, dining there is even better because people can be very friendly and welcoming, thus adding to the experience. 

Many local places also offer daily specials, so it doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s also a good excuse to try something new and support a local chef. 

Shop at Independent Stores

Downtown Natchez has plenty of small stores that carry clothes, gifts, home goods, books, and more. While it might take a while to find what you need or like, or find a list of shops that you particularly feel good about, such shops often stock items that big stores just cannot provide. 

If you don’t buy much, it still makes sense to browse around. It can lead to an unexpected purchase of something you always wanted but had no time to really look for it. It creates “foot traffic” and some dynamics in the shops, potentially attracting other customers. A birthday gift, a postcard, or a new mug from a local shop means money stays in the community.

Some stores offer curbside pickup or online ordering now, too, which makes it even easier to shop local. 

This is especially true for food. Buying locally grown or produced food reduces carbon footprint, supports local businesses, and is actually healthier than getting exotic fruit or unusual vegetables. 

Attend Local Events and Markets

Natchez often hosts craft fairs, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and pop-up shops. These events are a great chance to support many small businesses at once.

You don’t have to spend much money or time there, but try to visit on your weekend instead of playing at a 5 dollar deposit casino Canada. Just being there, checking the goods out, chatting, buying ice-cream or coffee, helps local makers stay seen, motivated, and potentially grow their customer base. You might not need anything right now, but next time, maybe you will want to get something specific, and you will know where to go. 

Visiting local fairs is also fun and gives more time and space to connect with neighbors. Many events are free to attend, so they are basically socialization spots for the whole community. 

Leave a Positive Review

It costs nothing to leave a kind review, but for small businesses, it can be worth a lot. Online reviews help build trust and bring in new customers. 

Even if you believe that Natchez is “not such a tourist place,” people still travel and visit, they want to buy food or local goods, and they will start looking for online reviews. Your review can make a huge difference for a small business. 

After eating a meal, getting a haircut, or buying something nice, take a few minutes to leave a Google or Facebook review. Mention what was great: friendly service, tasty food, or pleasant atmosphere. 

Support Local Services

It’s not just about shops and food. Local businesses also include plumbers, mechanics, tutors, pet groomers, and more. If you need something fast, ordering a local service should definitely be the fastest option, and sometimes, the price is better than that of a big company. 

If the community starts using local services, local services will have chances for growing into something better and bigger, which also means money in the community, new jobs, potentially more population, etc. Often, local businesses know more about the community and its peculiarities and customize their services specifically to meet the needs of the local people. 

Buy Local Art and Handmade Goods

If you look closely, you will find out that Natchez has a lot of creative talent – painters, potters, woodworkers, and writers. Even gardeners who grow amazing flowers! Their work often ends up in local galleries, markets, or specialty shops. 

Even if you yourself are not much into art or handmade goods, buy a print, a handmade ornament, or a book as a present for someone who loves these things, or for someone who is interested in local goods or arts. This way, you will celebrate the town’s culture and support creativity and tradition.