If you are just joining us here on the Carlyn Bushman Consulting blog, each month we introduce a clear theme to dive into through discussion and all of our free resources. This month is a big one: Collaboration + Connection. So, we figured what better time to introduce our guest blogger series than during the month of connection + collaboration?!

Without further ado, meet our guest blogger, CJ Schneider, owner of Charming Communications.

From the time I was old enough to carry a wallet, I have supported small businesses.

I grew up in Phoenix and would visit the small arcade across the street, dine with my family at locally-owned restaurants, would join with my neighbor and host a lemonade stand and would beg my grandmother to stop for a donut at the small corner bakery on the way home from sleepovers.

What I didn’t know then was how important those small businesses were to our community.

The owners who would chat with us, the way they greeted us, the revenue that allowed them to sustain a business and keep making products that were made with love. These attributes contributed to small business success and a stronger community.

Supporting small businesses stimulates the local economy, keeping tax dollars in our cities and state.

They add value to our tourism industry.

They boost confidence and self esteem (A chance to improve mental health & wellness? Yes please!).

Often, the products are made locally, reducing our carbon footprint and waste.

There are probably dozens more reasons why it’s beneficial to support local businesses.

But most importantly, there are zero reasons not to.

Cheers to small businesses!

“Now that I am grown up — and a small business owner — I have another level of respect for those who chase their dreams and achieve goals in the small biz arena. ” — CJ Schneider