As a business owner who’s worked in Eastern Ontario for years, I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference local support can make. Every purchase, every service booked, and even every recommendation—these small actions matter more than most people realize.

Whether you're in a small town like Perth or a larger city like Belleville, local businesses are the ones keeping the heart of our communities beating. They sponsor kids’ sports teams, donate to local fundraisers, and hire our neighbors. But to stay open, they need consistent support—and not just during a crisis.

If you're looking for real, everyday ways to back the local economy without going out of your way, here are five simple ways you can make it happen.

Look Local First Before Ordering Online

We’ve all gotten used to the speed and ease of online shopping. But often, we forget that many of the same products (and services) are already available just a few blocks away.

Let’s say you're looking for a birthday gift or new gardening tools. Before opening up a big-box website, take a minute to check what’s available in your own town. Local directories make this step easier by showing what’s near you—by category, service, or name. It’s a small switch in habit, but it’s one that helps local businesses stay visible and competitive.

Remember: when you buy from a small business, more of that money stays in your community.

Choose Local Services for Regular Needs

Supporting local isn’t just about shopping—it’s about who you hire too. Need your lawn cut? A new roof? Accounting help? There are thousands of skilled professionals across Eastern Ontario offering these services.

People sometimes think it’s easier to go with national chains or companies based in Toronto or Ottawa. But local service providers often offer quicker turnaround, more personalized service, and better after-care. Plus, it’s far more satisfying to know that your money is helping someone in your own area earn a living.

Use Online Directories to Discover New Places

One of the biggest challenges small businesses face is simply being found. Many of them don’t have the budget for constant online ads or SEO experts. That’s where regional directories play a huge role.

Sites like the Perth, ON Online Directory list businesses by category and location, making it easy to find exactly what you need—without having to wade through big-brand search results.

Maybe you’re visiting Cornwall for the weekend or doing a renovation in Brockville. These tools help you find the right local contacts quickly and reliably. Most listings also have updated contact info, hours, and addresses, so you’re not stuck chasing down closed stores or outdated phone numbers.

Share What You Know

If you’ve had a good experience with a local business, tell someone. Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful ways to help small businesses grow. That could mean leaving a review, sharing a post on social media, or simply recommending them to a friend or neighbor.

In smaller towns, one recommendation can turn into a steady stream of new customers. As someone who’s run a small business, I can tell you—when someone says, “A friend told me to come see you,” it means the world.

Read Local Guides and Articles

Not everyone has time to research what’s new in town. That’s why regional blogs and guides can be so helpful. Articles written by locals often point out businesses, places, and services that are off the beaten path—and that you might not hear about otherwise.

Whether it's a roundup of cafés in Belleville or a feature on a family-run mechanic shop in Gananoque, these guides keep people connected to what’s happening locally. More importantly, they help spotlight the diversity of businesses that exist in Eastern Ontario’s smaller communities.

And don’t overlook seasonal guides—many of them include updated listings and special deals that you won’t find elsewhere.

Final Thoughts: Community Is Built by Choices

You don’t have to go out of your way or spend more than you planned to support local. Often, it’s as simple as being mindful of where your dollars are going.

Eastern Ontario is full of hardworking business owners who are passionate about what they do—from bakers and brewers to contractors and consultants. Every time you choose one of them over a faceless corporation, you’re helping a local dream stay alive.

Support doesn’t always look like money—it can be sharing a post, making a referral, or simply walking into a place you’ve never been. These small choices stack up. And they build something strong, something lasting. Something local.