Holiday Gift Guide 2024: Shop Small with these Community-Centric Small Businesses
Celebrating Independent Retailer Month
Small Business
July marks the celebration of Independent Retailer Month, a nationwide movement dedicated to encouraging consumers to shop local and support small businesses.
Launched in 2011 by two passionate small business owners, this initiative highlights the profound impact that independent retailers have on their communities and the economy. For instance, if every family in the U.S. spent just an additional $10 a month at locally-owned businesses instead of national chains, it would inject over $9.3 billion into local economies. Moreover, independent retailers contribute 46.9% of all revenue back to the local economy, compared to just 13.6% from major chains.
This month, join the movement by shopping locally, sharing your favorite small businesses on social media, and spreading the word about the benefits of buying from independent retailers.
Looking for more? Check out previous tips.
We Support Local Businesses
It is the mission of CDC Small Business Finance and the Momentus Capital-branded family of organizations to provide people inclusive and equitable access to the capital and opportunities they deserve. In fact, last year alone, we deployed over $66.4 million in lending to small businesses, and over $164 million to help them acquire commercial real estate.
Our impact is clearly seen not only in the businesses we finance but in the areas they serve. By shifting our spending habits towards these small businesses, everyone can significantly impact their communities in a positive way.
Here are a few of the stories in which CDC Small Business Finance has played a part in recent years.
Adobe Blinds and More: A Success Story of Growth and Ownership
For more than a decade, Danielle Collazo has transformed her small business, Adobe Blinds and More, from a garage operation into a thriving retailer based in Maricopa, Arizona.
With the ambitious dream of owning a building tailored to her business’s unique needs, Collazo leveraged an SBA 504 loan through JP Morgan Chase Bank and CDC Small Business Finance. This financing facilitated the construction of a 5,200 square foot office and showroom condominium at Maricopa Grand Professional Village.
The new space features an open-concept design ideal for showcasing window treatments, doors, and custom closets. Collazo’s journey underscores the importance of assembling a supportive team and accessing the right financial resources, paving the way for generational wealth and business autonomy.
Curly Gurl Luv: Empowering Natural Beauty
Christina Smith, a former special education teacher turned entrepreneur, has launched Curly Gurl Luv, a Black-owned beauty supply store in Lawndale, California.
After identifying a significant gap in ownership within the hair care retail sector for Black women, Christina immersed herself in extensive training and secured an SBA Community Advantage loan through CDC Small Business Finance. Curly Gurl Luv not only offers a wide range of products for natural hair care but also serves as a community hub where women can learn to appreciate and style their natural curls.
Christina’s vision extends beyond her store; she aims to support other Black-owned businesses and teach the value of recycling the Black dollar within the community.
Shop Good: Leading the Clean Beauty Revolution
Leah Kirpalani, a former fashion merchandiser, embarked on an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey after facing chronic health issues that mainstream medicine couldn’t resolve.
Her deep dive into holistic living led to the creation of Shop Good, an e-commerce and physical store in North Park, San Diego, dedicated to non-toxic beauty products and natural skincare. With the help of an SBA loan from CDC Small Business Finance, Leah expanded her business to a second location in Del Mar’s high-end One Paseo shopping center.
Today, Shop Good is celebrated for its commitment to clean beauty and environmental sustainability, featuring a product recycling program and thoroughly vetted, all-natural brands.
