Amherst runs on local energy. The people who roast our coffee, fix our bikes, bake our bread, serve us at restaurants, and organize our markets are the pulse of this town.
According to Score.org, for every dollar you spend at a small business, 67 cents stays in the local community, and a majority of that (44 cents) goes to the small business owner and the wages and benefits of their employees. Small businesses also reinvest 23 cents of every dollar into other local businesses.
Supporting them doesn’t take grand gestures or lots of money. It’s the consistent little habits that keep the whole thing alive.
Here are eleven easy, heartfelt ways to do your part.
1. Make the Amherst Farmers Market part of your Saturday ritual
Rain or shine, the market on the Common is the town’s weekend heartbeat. Buy your veggies, chat with the farmers, grab a pastry, and realize that every dollar spent there loops right back into the community.
2. Stop by the Thursday Artisans’ Market
On Thursday, you can support local crafters at the Amherst Artisans’ Market. This takes place from 3-7 pm on the Town Common, right next to the Town Hall.
You’ll find pottery, jewelry, homemade sweets, and things you didn’t know you needed until you see them. Even if you don’t buy, talk to the artists. Those conversations are a currency of their own, and you never know where they will lead.
3. Bookmark AmherstNow.com
Yup, that’s us. The Amherst Now website is a great way to see what’s happening in and around Amherst, from business specials to neighborhood events. Checking the Amherst digital community bulletin board regularly keeps you in sync with the local rhythm. You can also sign up to receive updates in your inbox.
4. Try a new restaurant every week
Call it a “food adventure night.” Whether it’s Thai, Turkish, or tacos, we’ve got a lot of talent cooking behind small counters.
Skip the chains for a month and see how good Amherst tastes.
5. Leave a review; it matters
Had great service? Loved your latte? Say so online. A few kind words on Google or Yelp help small businesses more than most people realize. Reviews are digital word-of-mouth, and they travel far.
Businesses that get more reviews consistently tend to rank higher in local searches. Your review is literally gas for a business takeoff.
6. Share feedback directly
You received bad service? The bathrooms were dirty? If something isn’t right, tell the owner before you post about it. Most local business owners want to fix problems fast.
A quick, kind word does more good than a public complaint.
7. Buy a gift card
Simple and powerful. It gives local shops cash flow today and brings someone new through the door later. Win-win.
8. Follow and share on social media
Hit “follow” and share their posts now and then. Your repost could reach the next loyal customer, and it costs you nothing but a click.
9. Join loyalty programs
Some local cafés, yoga studios, and bookstores offer rewards for regulars. Signing up says, “I’m here for the long haul.”
10. Hire local service pros
Need a plumber, designer, or accountant? Start local before you scroll through national directories. You’ll find skilled people who care about keeping the Amherst area strong because they live here, too.
11. Show up for local events
From gallery openings to pop-up markets, presence matters. When you buy a ticket or bring a friend, you’re investing in the creative and economic heartbeat of this town.
PHOTO: A shopper looks through crates of veggies at the Amhertst Farmers Market, Sept 2025. FungaiFoto.
