As most of us know, the money that we spend at big box stores and with large conglomerates doesn’t stay local; it goes to wherever that company’s headquarters are based and supports that economy, not ours. There is a fantastic initiative in Brandon Florida that is designed to help main street businesses and retailers take back some of the revenue they have lost to big box stores and large conglomerates. It’s called Grow Brandon.
Grow Brandon was founded by Darrin Tyson, the CEO of World Chiropractic in Brandon Florida. Darrin got the idea from the Small Business Saturday initiative that American Express funded the last two years on the Saturday after black Friday. Darrin thought Small Business Saturday was a powerful idea that would be even better if it were year round rather than one day a year. He’s absolutely right! Darrin got started on this in February of this year.
Grow Brandon’s mission is ‘to enrich, strengthen and grow Brandon into a city that is, once again, thriving economically, has good jobs for everyone, is back to being one of the fastest growing cities in Florida and continues to be a safe and wonderful place to raise a family!’ I love it!
Grow Brandon currently has 140 businesses participating. Darrin’s goal is to reach 400 this year. Even if you are passionate about shopping with local business it is sometimes difficult to find the independent businesses/retailers that carry/offer what you need. Businesses who participate in this initiative get a listing on the Grow Brandon site. The idea is to have one place for consumers to visit that will help them find local businesses to meet their goods and services needs. Grow Brandon is also a great place for local business owners to connect and support each other.
The initiative is in its early stages and will continue to develop and grow as time moves on. Darrin is interested in getting a task force of business folks together to brainstorm marketing ideas. I am excited to see where this will go!
If you are anything like me you are wondering how you can help. First, if you are a business owner get involved! Second, start using the site to source local businesses that can offer you the goods and services you need. Visit the site frequently and tell your friends!
Engaging Retail 