4 Tampa Bay Small Businesses We LOVE To Support
Are you sick of all the chain companies out here? We are, too!
If there’s one thing you get sick of as full-time travelers, it’s the tourist traps.
Support the Tampa small business community by being a patron to these 4 local companies.
How To Support a Small Business (Even if You Can’t Afford It)
No matter where you live, supporting your local businesses is great for the economy. According to the SBA (Small Business Association), your local companies generate 44% of the U.S. economy.
To help pay these innovators back for the jobs, resources, and fun they provide, here’s how you can support a small business without spending a dime:
Word of mouth: This type of marketing is so crucial for small businesses, but they’ll never tell you. Tell your friends and family (and tell them often) about your favorite bars, restaurants, and vendors.
Leave a review: Most people are prone to leave a review when they have a negative experience.
Share their social media content: One comment, one share, or one like might not seem like a lot, but the power of the small business community thrives in quantity. The more people make these small moves, the more others will see their content and possibly become a patron of the local company.
4 Tampa Bay Small Businesses We LOVE To Support
When we look for things to do in Tampa Bay, we try to avoid chain restaurants or hotels like the plague.
Sure, they’re great in a pinch, and you typically know what you’re getting. But that takes the fun out of it, doesn’t it?
Exploring your local community not only gives back but, more often than not, it gives you a memorable experience. So, if you are on the hunt for a Tampa small business you can financially support, we have a few suggestions!
From mesmerizing venues to mouth-watering brunch spots, here are local businesses we recommend in Tampa
Credit: Tampa Bay Date Night Guide
1.Gen X Tavern
A healthy dose of nostalgia is necessary now and then. Especially if you’re a millennial.
If you’re a fan of MTV, Nintendo, and spiked Caprisun’s, Gen X Tavern in Tampa is gonna be your jam.
This 80s/90s-themed bar is owned by Tampa native, Dave Burnton, whose other local restaurants include Holy Hog BBQ, Tampa Pizza Company, and the Getaway.
2. The Breeze Bungalow
Although technically a St. Pete venue (and a shameless plug), the Breeze Bungalow is owned by yours truly!
Kelly specifically designed this space with locals in mind. We wanted to bring the sunny and bright vibe of the Tampa Bay area inside our little home.
Not only is there ample space for a group of ten, but you get Instagram-worthy photos on our mural backdrop that is reminiscent of the famous Tampa murals you see around town.
Except here, there’s air conditioning!
We frequently rent out this space to both Tampa and St. Petersburg locals via Peerspace for things like:
Bridal showers
Baby showers
Birthday parties, and
Small get-togethers (brunch, anyone?)
You can get more info on our small business bungalow here.
Credit: Tampa Bay Times
3. Valhalla Resale
Since we travel a lot, we’ve learned to downsize. One area that was particularly difficult to minimize was our closets.
Sometimes you just want a cute outfit to go with your travel photos, you know?
However, we found the coolest locally-owned boutique called Vahalla Resale. For a monthly fee, you can have a limitless closet.
For real! You can go in there, pick out 3 clothing items, and keep them as long as you want. It’s perfect if you frequently have photoshoots, attend events, or can’t decide what type of clothes look good on you.
Valhalla is owned by Danielle Ferrari, who even offers styling sessions. Talk about convenience!
4. Tampa Bay Farmer’s Market
If you’re looking to dip your toes in the Tampa small business community, the best place to start is your local Farmer’s Market.
Now, there are about 13 markets that happen in various locations at different times throughout Tampa Bay. But no matter which one you decide to visit next, we guarantee you’ll be able to buy from local:
Florists
Fruits and veggies
Restaurants
Artists
And more!