Love Your Local: The Economic Importance of Supporting Small Businesses in Tallahassee-Leon County 

Small businesses are more than the storefronts and services that shape the daily experiences of residents across Tallahassee-Leon County; they are a critical foundation of our regional economy. Each year, OEV’s Love Your Local campaign highlights the essential role these businesses play and encourages our community to recognize the value of supporting locally owned enterprises. 

The data makes one thing clear: choosing to “Love Your Local” has a tangible and significant impact on the prosperity of our region. 

The Economic Impact of Small Businesses 

Small businesses are a core component of the Tallahassee Metro Area’s economic landscape. Their contributions extend far beyond individual transactions; they create jobs, generate income, and enhance the community’s long-term economic resilience. 

Key indicators underscore their importance: 

• 10,200 small businesses operate within the Tallahassee Metro Area. These businesses, each employing fewer than 50 individuals, represent a diverse array of industries that collectively shape the region’s economic identity. 
• Small businesses account for 96% of all local firms. This overwhelming majority highlights that entrepreneurship and local ownership are central to the structure and stability of our business community. 
• These businesses employ 133,500 people. This level of employment reflects the substantial role small businesses play in sustaining local families and contributing to workforce development. 
• They generate an estimated payroll of $1.13 billion. This economic activity circulates throughout the region, reinforcing the vitality of Tallahassee-Leon County’s economy. 

Why Supporting Local Matters 

Choosing to shop, dine, and invest locally has far-reaching benefits. When residents engage with local businesses, they help strengthen community relationships, encourage business growth, and foster a more resilient regional economy. 

Most importantly, supporting local businesses means supporting friends, neighbors, and the broader Tallahassee-Leon County community. Each purchase represents a meaningful contribution to the livelihoods of those who live and work here. 

Join the 2025 Love Your Local Campaign 

OEV invites residents and business owners to reaffirm their commitment to supporting local enterprises. By doing so, we collectively enhance the quality of life in our region and contribute to a thriving, sustainable local economy. 

How, when, and where you spend your money has a real impact. Together, we can continue to bolster the businesses that strengthen Tallahassee-Leon County. 

Learn more and explore participating businesses at www.LoveYourLocalTLH.com