Small-scale industries are one of the biggest sources of revenue and employment in our country. Over 95 per cent of industrial units are small-scale industries, providing employment to 175 lakh people. However, due to large competition from global corporations, the introduction of new technologies, increased costs and low capital, small businesses struggle to stay afloat. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, many small industries were forced to shut down

In 2001, the Government of India celebrated the first National Small Industry Day. Ever since August 30 has been annually celebrated to honour the small industries and their contribution to the national economy.

To celebrate National Small Industry Day, we would like to discuss why you must promote and support local businesses in your areas.

Supporting small businesses won’t only increase the revenue of the business, but at the same time create employment. The owner may hire a helper to lessen the workload, this creates an employment opportunity for the poor. This in turn helps the employee to gain new skills, which they can use to start their own businesses in the future.

You also help local and marginalised communities by purchasing their products and services. If you purchase food from a local restaurant, that sources its materials locally, you are not only helping the restaurant but the material provider as well.

Small businesses are also more eco-friendly than large corporations. Due to the shorter manufacturer-to-consumer cycle and low transportation, small businesses have a lower carbon footprint.

So the question now arises, How can one support small businesses?

The most obvious answer is to buy from these industries, as it is their primary source of revenue. But if one cannot buy products, there are other ways to promote small businesses.

Social media is a great tool to promote the growth of businesses. Just by following them on their social media pages, you help them. Adding Reviews, Sharing Stories, and Posting Photos are great ways to boost their incomes and increase their customer pool. If you don’t have a huge social media presence, you can help by spreading positive word of mouth to your friends and family members.

You can also donate to small businesses to keep them afloat during times of crisis, or you can do charity through them. Instead of purchasing from global corporations, you can conduct food drives through local businesses. This will not only help the poor but also help the community to stay afloat.

Lastly, you can boost their morale by giving them kind words and appreciation. This will drive them to keep doing what they do and may allow their business to thrive.

Child Help Foundation understands the importance of local and small businesses. Child Help Foundation set up the Bazaar Haat initiative, which provided the villagers of Gulabi Gaon in Nashik, Maharashtra with a lot of business opportunities and employment.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Make sure to share this with all your friends and family members