As the festive season descends upon us, the familiar urge to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones takes hold. It’s a perfect time to support the small businesses that make up the majority of the businesses in the community.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the community. They provide unique products and services, create jobs for residents, and contribute significantly to the local economy. In fact, studies show that for every dollar spent at a small business, an average of 67 cents stays within the community, supporting local schools, infrastructure, and vital services.

Beyond the economic benefits, small businesses offer an unparalleled level of customer service and personalization. This personal touch adds a layer of meaning and appreciation to purchases, making the giving experience even more special.

“The community’s really behind us. Everybody is coming out to support small businesses like ours,” said Samantha Nawrocki, who with her husband are co-owners of Manzanita Roasting in Downtown Escondido.

Small Business Saturday is the kickoff to the shop local season and while the November 25 event was a great success, the entire holiday season is an opportunity to boost the local economy.

Here are just a few reasons why to Shop Small in Escondido this holiday season:

• Unique and Diverse Products: Discover one-of-a-kind items and handcrafted gifts that you won't find anywhere else. Shop for locally-made clothing, jewelry, art, home goods, and gourmet food – each with a story and connection to your community.
• Personalized Shopping Experience: Enjoy attentive and knowledgeable service from the owners and staff who are passionate about their products and dedicated to helping you find the perfect gift.
• Support Local Jobs and the Economy: Your purchases directly benefit local families and contribute to the economic prosperity of our city.
• Invest in the Community: By supporting small businesses, you help build a vibrant and diverse community where people can live, work, and shop.
• Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices: Many small businesses prioritize sustainability, using local materials, minimizing waste, and offering eco-friendly products.
• Experience the Charm of Escondido: Explore the vibrant downtown and charming neighborhoods, discovering hidden gems and experiencing the unique character of our city.

Look for the "Shop Local Escondido" logo to identify participating businesses and explore the vibrant diversity of our city's offerings. Visit the Escondido Downtown Business Association website or the City of Escondido website for a directory of local businesses and special holiday events.

This holiday season, choose Escondido, and experience the magic of supporting your local community.

A recent dinner hosted by Innovate 78 brought together business leaders from the five cities along the 78 Highway, which includes Escondido, San Marcos, Vista, Carlsbad, and Oceanside.

Organized by the San Diego North County Economic Development Council (SDNEDC), the event aimed to connect leaders from diverse businesses, from large to small, nonprofits to for-profits, to share resources and foster a thriving regional business environment.

With a focus on the food, beverage, and agriculture industries – dense hubs in North County – the dinner sparked conversations around these rapidly growing sectors. The success of local companies like Stone Brewing, which started in the mid-90s and grew into a world-leading private brewery, highlights the industry's potential. Stone's story, from inspiring a craft brewing revolution to training countless professionals and ultimately merging with Sapporo, offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Director of Communications and Public Relations, Lizzie Younkin, shared her eight-year journey with Stone and its future aspirations, providing firsthand insights gleaned from building and growing a successful company.

The dinner also featured representatives from the agriculture/grower community, including GroGreen, a rapidly innovating lettuce producer. The camaraderie fostered by the Escondido AgX quarterly gatherings was evident at the dinner, demonstrating the positive impact of these events within the Escondido agricultural community.

Kudos to the SDNEDC team for organizing this valuable experience by bringing together the right people and facilitating meaningful conversations.

To join this vibrant community, consider attending the next Escondido AgX Gathering on January 30, 2024. This event will also serve as an information session for the 2nd Annual Escondido AgX Startup Hackathon, taking place March 7-9, 2024.