Many online users face a similar dilemma: they love supporting local but are too tempted by the ease of filling up their Big Box Store online shopping cart and pressing “Order.” If only there was another option—one that could effortlessly help users find and buy from local businesses instead.
Good news for those passionate local buyers: that platform already exists. It’s called Small & Local, and it’s changing the game for small businesses and local buyers alike in Nova Scotia.
A Digital Platform Born from Community Spirit
Small & Local (originally vLife) was created with a single mission in mind: to foster meaningful connections within local communities and empower small businesses to thrive. Created by two visionary co-founders, CEO Melanie Little and CTO Majid Nasirinejad, the platform has been a labor of love from the very start.
“We believe that small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities,” says CEO Melanie Little. “They deserve a platform that celebrates their uniqueness, supports their growth, and connects them with customers who truly value what they have to offer.”
And that’s exactly what Small & Local aims for. It’s not just a marketing tool to assist overburdened small businesses, or just a searchable database for buy-local lovers; it’s also a vibrant community that brings like-minded people together.
The Power of Connection in Business
S&L believes connections are the beating heart of any successful business. That’s why their team is dedicated to connecting small businesses with valuable resources, and buyers with great local offerings and discounts.
“We’ve seen firsthand the impact that these authentic connections can have,” says CTO Majid Nasirinejad. “With our digital platform, small businesses are no longer isolated. They have a network of support, a community of advocates, and a platform to reach a wider audience than ever before.”
The platform’s success is evident in its impressive growth statistics. With over 12,000 connections already made between buyers and businesses, and a staggering 20% conversion rate on client landing pages, S&L is driven by connecting visitors through a carefully created, finely-tuned buy-local user experience.
And to top it off, all of that growth has been 100% organic, driven by word of mouth and community support.
“That’s the real innovator here,” Little explains, “true, authentic connection between people who love supporting local.”
The Future of Local Commerce is Already Here
Small & Local is now expanding beyond Nova Scotia to connect with small businesses and local buyers across the country. As Little puts it:
“We want Small & Local to be the buy-local solution worldwide—in your hometown or wherever your adventures may take you.”
The co-founders believe the platform’s success lies in its ability to provide a solution to the common challenges faced by small business owners in today’s digital age, and the difficulties buy-local shoppers have connecting with them in the corporate-dominated online space.
Through their easy and affordable marketing packages, Small & Local helps small businesses connect with new potential customers and grow their brands, all while making it a lot easier for visitors and locals to buy local more. Strengthening local supply chains and lowering carbon footprints while they do.
Through its innovative approach and organic growth, Small & Local is set to become a major player in the online market for small business support and accessibility. Visit their website to experience what a game changer it is for buy-local shoppers too.
