Lauren Schwarn, Neldwallet
It’s a challenging time for small and medium-sized businesses.
The majority of small businesses (59%) cited financial uncertainty as the biggest challenge they face. Business owners were surveyed as part of the National Small Business Association Small Business Economic Report in May 2025.
It’s difficult for businesses to plan for changes in tariffs, tax policies and consumer spending, says Elizabeth Gore, co-founder of Hello Alice, a platform that connects small businesses with grants and resources.
“There’s a lot in the air,” she says.
Amidst these pressures, consumers want to do their part. A Nerdwallet survey in April 2025 found that 84% of Americans said it was important to support small businesses.
However, many consumers are concerned about their financial situation.
So how can you reduce your spending while supporting small businesses?
Building small and medium-sized businesses on budget
Try collecting money, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
As you plan your monthly expenses, ask yourself what’s most important to you, says Alvin Carlos, founder of District Capital Management in Washington, DC
Next, you can identify the business you want to prioritize.
“Maybe they say, ‘I like going to the local theatre’ or ‘I like eating once a week,'” says Carlos.
Check your income and fixed costs to see if you can comfortably spend on entertainment, meals and other categories.
Look at your recent credit card transactions and bank statements to learn what you normally spend and find an area to trim.
Shift your spending strategy
To keep your spending within your budget, you need to rethink where you buy and what you buy.
By making less quality purchases from small businesses, you can save money in the long term.
For example, you could add frequent clothing purchases from major retailers. Instead, you can invest in some well-made pieces from local boutiques and thrift stores.
Swapping your daily coffee chain latte for cups twice a week at a local cafe might be another clever choice.
“These are things that your friends, your neighbors, your family work in these businesses,” Gore says. “And usually you’re getting a better product, a better service, a better experience.”
Adjusting your habits can also help you save money in businesses that are already frequently seen.
If you’re eating at your favorite restaurant, if it’s not on your budget, look for ways to cut costs rather than completely cutting your business. Getting takeout can reduce chip costs, says Carlos.
Carlos also recommends following small business social media accounts to get information about loyalty programs, pop-up transactions and other discounts.
For example, a local bakery says, “You might want to remove the bread at 3pm or at scones.
Keep in mind the usefulness
Lending support does not necessarily mean overhauling your shopping behavior at all times. In some cases, all you need is a few clicks.
Many small businesses have an online presence, Gore said, and it’s easy to purchase orders and gift cards. Looking at the totals before checking out will help you stick to your budget.
It’s also possible to make small purchases through major platforms you probably already use, such as food delivery apps such as Amazon, Etsy, Doordash and Instacart.
“If you have a sick friend, try to experience Doordash from a local restaurant or a local cookie company and place an order,” Gore says. “With these macro corporate accounts, if it’s an easy way to do it, it can impact small businesses.”
Spread the word
There are also many free ways to help small businesses. Create word-of-mouth referrals, share social media posts, and tag comments with others to increase visibility and attract new customers.
“It just takes it second and pop them on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok and helps you get more eyeballs,” Gore says.
Writing online reviews is another way to show love.
“As my own small business owner, I am truly grateful when someone wrote me a Google review.
A little effort can make a big difference.
Lauren Schwarn writes for Nald Wallet. Email: lschwahn@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @lauren_schwahn.
A way to cut spending without cutting small businesses originally appeared in Nerdwallet.
Original issue: May 28, 2025, 1:54pm EDT
