'Call to Action' to Give Back Thousands to Small Businesses

Ignite a spending spree today and invest $90,000 into local businesses in Tampa Bay by spending just $10 a month at local stores; spend five dollars a week and even more would be put back into our local economy, according to LocalShops1.

Ester Venouziou, president of LocalShops1, is spearheading the campaign, "Call to Action," and asking everyone to support small businesses.

Call to Action

The "Call to Action" is asking every family in the area to shift $5 of your weekly budget to independently owned stores.

According to LocalShops1, studies show that of every dollar spent at a local business, about 70 cents stays local. Of every dollar spent at a national corporation, less than 40 cents stays local.

Venouziou says the effort is a simple yet powerful idea for strengthening the local economy.

Venouziou introduced the initiative at the Tampa Bay premier of Fixing the Future, a film showcasing innovative ways communities across the country are working to strengthen local economies, just last week. At that event, more than 140 residents and community leaders came out to brainstorm on how to help our local economy.

"Each one of us can make a difference," Maling Ebrahimpour, Dean of USF St. Petersburg College of Business, said at the event.

Cash Mob

In addition to shifting your spending, Venouziou says people can also join the next Cash Mob. LocalShops1 and Awake Pinellas are holding their sixth Cash Mob this Saturday in downtown St. Pete.

To participate, meet at the State Theatre, 687 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, at 1:55 p.m. on Saturday, July 28. Wear red and spend at least $10 at the local business chosen. The business will be announced at the event. For more information check out the event on LocalShops1.com.

What is a Cash Mob? Check out our coverage of the mobs in St. Peterburg and Gulfport!

• Cash Mob Puts Focus on Local Businesses
• Cash Mob Invades Gulfport Business