It’s Easy to Shop Local Year-Round in Elk River

November kicks off Small Business Month in the United States, with special events like National Veterans Business Week and Small Business Saturday. The City of Elk River Economic Development Association (EDA) believes it’s always a good time to shop local, but appreciates the opportunity to highlight entrepreneurs, franchisees, and multi-generational owners throughout this month.

“Elk River is packed with small businesses that provide invaluable products and services while creating jobs in the area,” says Joshua Mollan, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Elk River. “Even small purchases from local companies have a big impact and keep the profits in our part of Minnesota.”

The City of Elk River EDA is committed to supporting small businesses. Here are a few ways to learn about local companies and commit to shopping small during the holiday season and beyond. 

Explore Local Businesses Through the EDA 

The City of Elk River EDA makes it easy to find small businesses in the community. Start with the Business Directory to find boutiques, restaurants, spa services, and other companies that support Elk River residents. (Entrepreneurs and owners: submit your business if you haven’t already. We’d love to show you off!)

The next place to look is the Open For Business video series, which introduces viewers to companies across Elk River. Meet local businesses and learn about special promotions and deals. Each feature is less than a minute long, so you get a quick taste of each company and how they benefit the community.

Our goal is to make it easy to find your new favorite local business. There are plenty in Elk River that you might not know about. Attend Events to 

Support Independent Businesses

Elk River residents have several opportunities to buy local while also having fun with friends and family. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events (or look out for them next year if they have already passed).

The Downtown Elk River Business Association (DERBA) will host its annual Shop, Dine, Unwind event on Saturday, November 8. More than a dozen local businesses are participating, with special deals, festive atmospheres, and chances to win gift cards and other prizes. Pick up a punch card at any of the participating businesses and spend the day in the charming downtown district.

DERBA is also hosting a Small Business Saturday event, which falls on November 29 this year. They invite residents to "Look Local First" and discover the charm of Elk River shops. Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance in Rivers Edge Commons to review the wish lists of kids. (Keep an eye out for The Grinch and Max! They also might be lurking around Elk River, searching for the spirit of Christmas.)

Even if you can’t make these events, you can still visit local shops throughout the holiday season and enjoy their festival displays and deals. This is a great way to fall in love with everything Elk River has to offer.      

Buying Local Keeps Money in Elk River

Buying from local businesses is a great way to support the community. A single purchase can make a difference, while sharing your favorite stores with friends and recommendations on social media provides invaluable word-of-mouth marketing. For every $100 spent at Elk River businesses, $68 stays in the local economy. In fact, small companies retain 289% more revenue for the local economy than national chain stores.

Another cool thing about shopping small is that the money recirculates in Elk River. Store owners who work with local vendors build up other companies through these partnerships. The money given to an independent business recirculates an average of 6 to 15 times.

Finally, small business owners are job creators. Small firms contributed to 55% of all jobs created in the United States in the past decade. While a local company might have a handful of employees, independent business owners keep America working.

You don’t have to wait for Small Business Saturday to shop small. You can make a difference in the Elk River community every day of the year. 

Together, Elk River’s Business Community Can Thrive

Shopping small gets a lot of publicity during the holiday season, but we can work together long after the gifts are unwrapped and the tinsel is put away. This is the premise behind the campaign Together Elk River. When residents encourage, engage, and support local businesses, their friends and neighbors can thrive.

Learn more about how the Elk River EDA supports local businesses, whether you are an entrepreneur looking for support or a business owner who would like to be featured. We can’t wait to see you succeed.