Go Local First campaign supports Macedon Ranges small businesses

Published on 03 August 2020

Council is encouraging residents of the shire to show their support for small businesses in their local communities in line with a nationwide campaign.

The Go Local First campaign, an initiative of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), will highlight the vital role of small businesses play in the nation’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and in keeping local communities thriving.

The campaign will encourage Australians to choose local small businesses when they are purchasing products and services to help get the economy back on its feet.

Director Planning and Environment, Angela Hughes said small businesses accounted for just over one-third of Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and an economic recovery would not be possible without small businesses trading and hiring people.

“Throughout this pandemic, small businesses have done it tough,” Ms Hughes said. “Now is the time to be out supporting Macedon Ranges local grocers, butchers, restaurants, cafes, accounting and legal firms, gardeners, tradespeople, and goods producers like wineries and farmers.

“Our local small businesses need our loyal communities to back them now, by ‘going local first’ when they need to buy a product or service.

“When you shop locally, your money stays in the community, meaning local jobs and local economies not just surviving, but helping them to thrive as we emerge from COVID-19.

“Australia’s 3.5 million small businesses are the heartbeat of local communities, when they thrive, communities thrive, and the national economy prospers.”

Research commissioned by COSBOA shows Australians are spending more at local businesses since the COVID-19 lockdowns began earlier this year, but temporary and permanent closures are preventing them from doing more to support them.

The research finds Australians see broad economic improvements as the most important issues for the country, after managing the spread of the coronavirus.

The Go Local First campaign will be rolled out over the next six months through outdoor, print and digital advertising, with residents being urged to spend locally first.

To find out how your business can be involved, call Danni Findlay on (03) 5422 0333 or email [email protected]