Business organizations in Dufferin County are working together to promote the value of shopping local. Understanding the importance of keeping dollars in our own community, the Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce, along with Dufferin.biz, the Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association, and the Business Improvement Areas from Grand Valley, Orangeville & Shelburne  have joined together to raise awareness of the significant economic impact that shopping local can have in our community.

When you spend your dollars in your own community, everyone benefits.

Did you know:

Money Spent Here Stays Here
When dollars are spent at local businesses, up to three times as much money stays locally.
Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms, all which continues to strengthen the economic base of the community.

Jobs & Wages
Supporting local businesses provides job opportunities for local residents. Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community and provide the most jobs to our local residents.

Stronger Tax Base
Local businesses support our municipal governments and help ensure that our community services and infrastructure remain strong and viable.

Local Business Owners Invest in our Community

Local businesses are owned or managed by people who live and work in our communities, raising their families and investing in our communities’ futures. They support our churches, our schools, our organizations, and ultimately our quality of life. Local businesses owner are less likely to leave, and are more invested in our community’s future.

Better Variety
Local businesses provide a wide variety of products and services, right here in our community. Many of these are “one-of-a-kind” businesses that help provide our community with its own distinct character. The more people shop here, the more products and services will be available, creating a more vibrant and sustainable economy.

Better Customer Service
Local business customer service is not only more personal, but it is also more understanding of the needs and wants of local residents. The service provided through knowledgeable local staff, willing to go the extra mile, makes for a far better customer experience and supports the sense of community pride and values.

Convenience Equals Savings
Shopping locally saves you time and money. A shopping trip outside of the area costs you for every kilometre you drive, each way, and valuable time away from your home.

Green-Friendly
Shopping locally reduces your gas consumption and pollution. Also, local stores help to sustain vibrant, walkable communities.

Local Character and Prosperity
In an increasingly global world, communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character have an advantage in offering quality of life and unique experiences. Where we shop, where we eat and have fun — all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place and encourage tourism.

Friends and Neighbours
Local businesses are staffed by local residents, your friends and neighbours. You get better service from people you know and who know you.

Non-profits receive greater support
Supporting local businesses helps to ensure that they are able to continue their generous support of so many local, non-profit organizations, that are vital to our quality of life. In fact, studies show that non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

Community Well-Being
Vote with your wallet! Your community matters to you and to all of us, so let our local businesses know that you want them to stay in our communities.