Why Supporting Local Businesses in Connecticut is the Secret to a Thriving Community (And Why It’s So Much Fun!)

Connecticut wouldn’t be the place we know and love without its amazing local businesses. These aren’t just shops and services—they’re the heart of our communities, run by people who genuinely care about where we live. When you choose to shop local, you’re helping to keep our towns unique, create jobs for our neighbors, and preserve what makes Connecticut feel like home.

Let’s dive into why supporting local is so important, and I’ll introduce you to a few of my favorite outdoor spots that do so much more than just sell you stuff—they create memories, connections, and a whole lot of fun! Plus, I’ve added some resources along the way if you’re curious about learning more.

1. Local Dollars Make a Big Difference

Here’s the scoop: when you spend your money locally, it goes a lot further. Research from the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) shows that when you spend $100 at a local business, about $68 stays in the community. Compare that to only $43 when you shop at a big-box store. Those dollars go back into local jobs, services, and the things that make our towns awesome.

Take Mountain Supply Expedition in Branford, for example. This isn’t your typical gear shop—it’s owned by a retired firefighter who’s given years of service to our community. When you buy your hiking boots or a new backpack here, you’re helping someone who’s been dedicated to keeping us safe. It’s more than just a purchase; it’s a way to give back to the people who make Connecticut a great place to live.

Want to learn more about the impact of shopping local? Check out AMIBA’s Local Multiplier Effect.

2. Keeping Connecticut, Well, Connecticut

Every time you choose a local spot over a chain, you’re helping preserve the unique flavor of our towns. Look at Mount Southington Ski Area, for example. It’s a family-run gem that’s been around since the 1960s, teaching generations of locals to love winter sports. Sure, you could head out to a big corporate resort like Vail, but you’re going to miss out on that cozy, down-to-earth vibe that makes Mount Southington feel like home.

It’s more than just skiing; it’s about community. You see familiar faces, you make memories, and you’re part of a tradition that’s kept locals coming back for decades. Big resorts might have the flash, but Connecticut’s got the heart—and I know where I’d rather be.

Curious about how local businesses shape communities? The National Main Street Center offers plenty of resources on the impact of small businesses on local identity.

3. Local Jobs with Local Passion

When you support local businesses, you’re helping create a whole range of jobs that make our communities more interesting. Just look at New England Adventure—a guiding company right here in Connecticut. Whether you’re looking to tackle a new hiking trail, learn some survival skills, or paddle down a river, these folks have got you covered.

It’s a good deal for everyone: small businesses like New England Adventure create stable, satisfying jobs, and we get to explore our state’s natural beauty with people who know and care about it. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses create two out of every three new jobs—jobs that help our neighbors and keep Connecticut thriving.

For more information on small business and job creation, check out SBA Jobs Data.

4. Outdoor Education That Sticks

Let’s talk about Two Coyotes Wilderness School in Newtown for a second. This nonprofit offers programs for kids and adults that are all about connecting with nature. From building fires to tracking animals, they teach skills that get people excited about the outdoors.

When you support Two Coyotes, you’re helping to create a future generation that actually cares about the environment and knows how to enjoy it responsibly. It’s not just about having fun in the woods—it’s about learning to love and protect our natural spaces so they’re around for the next batch of adventurers.

For more on how shopping local helps the environment, check out Green America’s Local Business Guide.

5. Real Experiences with Real People

Ever been to Brownstone Adventure Sports Park in Portland? If you haven’t, you’re missing out. This place has everything—rock climbing, wakeboarding, zip-lining—you name it. But what really makes it special is the people who work there. They’re not just punching a clock; they genuinely love outdoor adventure and want to share that passion with you.

You’re not just another customer at Brownstone. The staff are locals who know the ropes and have probably climbed every wall and tackled every zip-line themselves. You get a real connection, some good advice, and a better experience than you’ll ever find at some cookie-cutter chain park.

Want to know why local businesses often have better service? Check out Local First for more insights.

The Bottom Line: Supporting Local Means Supporting Each Other

When you shop at places like Mountain Supply Expedition, hit the slopes at Mount Southington, book a trip with New England Adventure, sign up for a class at Two Coyotes, or spend a day at Brownstone, you’re doing more than just having a good time. You’re helping to build a community that’s strong, connected, and uniquely ours.

So next time you’re looking for gear or planning your next adventure, think about where you’re spending your dollars. Every purchase is a chance to invest in the Connecticut you love and help keep it thriving. And really, isn’t that what it’s all about?