In Boundary and Boundary counties, small businesses are more than part of the local economy; they are intertwined with the identity, resilience and day-to-day life of the area. As the holiday season approaches, local business owners, market vendors and community groups are encouraging residents to shop small and support the people who keep the community thriving.

Shopping locally has an impact, especially in rural areas. Every dollar spent at a business in Bonner or Boundary counties circulates through the community, supporting jobs, services and organizations that residents depend on. Local businesses are often the ones sponsoring school youth organizations, donating raffle items for fundraisers, hosting community events and stepping up for families in times of need.

In downtown Bonners Ferry, small storefronts line Main Street and the surrounding area, offering everything from handmade goods to home decor, books, art, clothing, hardware, foods and more. For many Bonner County businesses, the holiday season plays a major role in sustaining them throughout the year. A busy December often determines whether a business can reinvest, expand or simply keep its doors open.

But in the region, shopping small goes far beyond brick-and-mortar stores. Many residents run home-based businesses or rely on social media platforms to sell their goods. Facebook groups, Instagram pages, and local online marketplaces have become vital tools for makers who don’t have storefronts. Custom crafts, baked goods, jewelry, woodwork, soaps, leather goods, photography sessions, engraving, holiday treats and gift baskets are often created right here in the community, frequently by people who are juggling full-time jobs or raising families.

Craft fairs and markets also play a central role in the local economy. The region's seasonal craft shows, church markets and vendor events give creators a place to sell handmade items and meet customers face-to-face. 

In a small town, the local businesses offer something larger areas usually do not: personal connection. Owners know their customers by name, remember their preferences, and take pride in offering products with a personal touch.

Accessibility is another key factor. When a small rural business closes, residents often lose access to goods or services they depend on, sometimes requiring long drives to Coeur d’Alene, Spokane or beyond. For seniors, families with limited transportation or individuals on fixed incomes, having strong local businesses makes daily life easier and more affordable.

Supporting small businesses doesn’t require large spending. Buying a cup of coffee from one of the coffee shops or stands, picking up a handmade ornament from a local crafter, ordering treats from a home baker or choosing a local service provider, keeps money circulating locally. Even simple actions like sharing a post, leaving a review or recommending a local vendor, help small businesses grow.

As holiday shopping ramps up, consider local options first. Whether it’s a storefront in town, a vendor at a craft fair, or a maker selling through social media, each purchase supports local families and helps keep the community strong.

Shopping small isn’t just an economic choice; it’s a commitment to the people and places that make Bonner and Boundary counties home.