Macomb County has recently injected a boost of financial support into its local economy by doling out $1,000 grants to ten independently owned businesses. This effort, part of the 2024 Shop Local Macomb campaign, aimed to encourage consumers to patronize small businesses during the holiday shopping frenzy. According to the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, the campaign included a drawing, held on December 9, where more than 735 contestants entered for a chance to win one of 10 $150 gift cards from First State Bank, alongside the business grants.
The beneficiaries of these grants range from quaint vintage markets to novel toy shops, with businesses like Boater City Marketplace and Green Thyme Workshop being amongst the winners. Others, including Max & Ollie's Vintage Boutique and The Baking Room, were also selected, promising to further add to the distinct commercial landscape of Macomb County. Vicky Rowinski, director of Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, lauded the initiative, noting the substantial impact these funds could have, to potentially be spent on anything from repairs to staff bonuses. "It’s incredible seeing our community come together and shop small for the campaign," she told the Macomb County website. "And because of this effort, we’re able to award $10,000 in grants to our local retailers."
Shop Local Macomb is a concerted effort, pulling together the resources of various chambers and business groups in the county, such as Connect Macomb, the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce, and the Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber of Commerce. The initiative isn't only a grant giveaway but also serves to remind the community about the importance of sustaining local commerce, especially amid the rush of holiday shopping which often sees larger retailers overshadowing smaller businesses.
Residents who missed out this year might want to keep their eyes peeled for next year's iteration of the Shop Local Macomb campaign. Given the purported success of this year's event in helping boost local business, it seems likely that similar support mechanisms will continue to be vital for the independently owned shops sprinkled across Macomb County.
