If one good thing has come of the bushfire and pandemic tribulations of the last two years it is that, more than ever, Australians have become big supporters of shopping local. Customers want to make meaningful purchases that benefit local communities and small businesses, not least those in the hard-hit food and hospitality sectors..
Go Local First, an initiative of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, is all about supporting the 3.5 million local small businesses that provide the heartbeat of communities, yet have been disproportionately affected by lockdowns. When these businesses thrive, local jobs are created and communities energised, and the national economy prospers.
We talked to three small business owners about the boost they have enjoyed thanks to a Go Local First focus.
Goliath coffee roasters
David Dipietrantonio and his wife Clarissa launched Goliath Coffee Roasters in 2013. It expanded and moved to Wetherill Park in Sydney’s western suburbs in 2018.
“We both grew up in this area, and there are lots of thriving businesses that provide a network of like-minded people who support each other and the community,” says Clarissa. “It’s all about relationships.”
The pair collaborate with local chocolate and doughnut producers and a distillery that now produces cold-brew coffee liqueur. Another local company packages their coffee in pods. Although Goliath is a wholesaler it also, in the Go Local First spirit, runs a weekend brew bar that provides valuable face-to-face customer encounters.
“Locals want to try our roasted coffees and buy a bag or two to enjoy at home. They’ve embraced us with open arms,” comments David. “Meanwhile, we get a feeling for our customers and where opportunities lie. What you learn over coffee and some banter is my favourite part of the week.”
Indeed, the couple see the bar as the driving force of the business. Customers these days want to meet owners, have a chat, and feel at home with the product. It’s a personal thing, concludes David, and only something local business can provide.
Tiny Bear Distillery
When high-school science teacher Damien Anderson wanted a change in life, the solution in 2018 was to open a gin distillery in Knoxfield in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs. Tiny Bear Distillery ferments, distils and bottles gin on site, and prides itself on being a Go Local First style of business.
“The community is very important to us. We source ingredients like herbs and honey from other local suppliers, and we in turn we supply local bars and bottle shops,” says Damien.
In 2021, keen to interact more with local residents and provide a focal point for the business, Damien opened Tiny’s Bar and Bottleshop in adjacent Scoresby. It sells crafts beer, wines and spirits alongside nibbles such as gin jam doughnuts.
“It was perfect timing, because after the lockdowns everybody wanted to get out, have a drink, connect with friends again. Many locals didn’t know of the distillery’s existence until they had our gin at the bar.”
Customers were thrilled to find the gin was locally produced, adds Damien. “They felt a connection to it, and often ask if they can visit the distillery.” This allowed another income stream to develop: a distillery tour in which participants make and bottle their own gin.
The Market Jindabyne
When this Snowy Mountains shop opened in 2017, it had a Go Local First attitude from the start. The aim is to supply the local community with fresh, organic produce and ethically sourced foodstuffs. The business also offers bulk food shopping to combat waste, especially single-use plastics.
Although climate imposes constraints, fruit and vegetables in the hamper boxes at The Market Jindabyne, such as seasonal apples, potatoes and greens, are sourced from local producers where possible. Local free-range eggs are a big seller. Sourdough breads, rainbow trout and artisan meats such as salamis, bacon and venison sausages are also locally sourced.
Meanwhile the coffee shop is a community gathering point – a place to relax, socialise and discuss community issues, says owner Sheridan Gill. “It’s good for business too, since we get customers from both angles and, for those who might never have visited an organic store, the idea of getting a coffee makes them feel comfortable.”
Sheridan has no doubt that Go Local First is the way of the future. “We create the world we live in by our choices, and by where we choose to direct our energies. And local is the place to start,” she concludes. Surely we can all agree with that.
With every dollar you spend, you have a chance to support Australian small businesses. Small businesses make where we live and work feel like a community; they help create local jobs and support everything from the local school to community groups and sporting teams. Make the right choice and Go Local First to help keep Australia’s 3.5 million small businesses – and the communities they support – strong.
Go local first