As many businesses are closing down temporarily and many Australians are dealing with self-isolation and social distancing due to the ever-changing Covid-19 situation, it’s more important than ever to support the local economy.
Approximately 70 per cent of all businesses in Australia are family owned and operated. With over 50 per cent of the Australian workforce employed by a family business, Family Business Australia (FBA) is encouraging consumers to think about Australian family businesses when shopping for goods and services.
“Family businesses are the backbone of the economy and statistics show that 75 per cent of consumers trust family businesses,” Greg Griffith, CEO of Family Business Australia, says.
“Therefore it is important, now more than ever, to tap into these trustworthy businesses. It’s time to come together to support Australian family-owned businesses and there are many ways buyers can do that.”
Search the ‘We are family owned’ directory
What do Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Wittner, Coopers Brewery, Haigh’s Chocolate, Kennards Hire, A.H. Beard and La Porchetta all have in common? They are all family-owned Australian businesses.
There are over 1,000 family owned Australian businesses listed on the’ we are family owned’ directory. From building services, education and training, food and beverage, manufacturing, transport and viticulture to name just a few, there is a family business to suit your needs.
Look for the Family Owned Australian Business emblem
Buying from a family owned Australian business can make a significant difference not only for the business but for the entire Australian economy. Many of these businesses are pillars of their local community and employ over half of the Australian workforce. Plus, when you spend with an Australian family owned business, you are helping to keep people employed and the wealth in your country.
Look for the Family Owned Australian Business emblem on products, websites and signage and shop locally where possible.
Like, follow, share
The power of social media knows no bounds and there are many ways to support family businesses ―digitally.
An online footprint as simple as a like, comment, follow or share may seem small, but it can increase promotion of a brand dramatically. Connecting with and endorsing brands online can increase its reach to other users on their news feeds and discover pages. This is free, user-driven marketing that can create new customers for these businesses.
Purchase a gift card to use later
Working from home, cancelled events and self-isolating measures indicate that consumers are rethinking their social activities, food sources and shopping habits. Buying a gift card to family owned shops, restaurants or stores is an immediate way to inject cash into the business. This will help keep these businesses afloat for a while to ensure they are still there to enjoy after this is over.
Self-isolated? It’s never been easier to shop online
It comes as no surprise that 80 per cent of Australians shop for goods and services online. Regardless of whether you are self-isolating or unable to purchase what you want from your nearest store, it has never been easier to buy the goods and services you need through various online platforms.
These are just some of the ways you can support the family businesses who truly are the backbone of the Australian economy.
