Cafés lead Australian small business engagement – BeanScene

A survey from American Express has found almost three quarters of Australians say cafés and other hospitality venues are the leading way they engage with small business.

The Amex Shop Small Destination Index surveyed more than 4000 consumers around Australia, with 72 per cent of them citing cafés, restaurants, and bars are where they most frequently engage small business.

Most of those surveyed also believe small businesses are imperative to communities, with 93 per cent believing supporting small business is important, 88 per cent agreeing they play an “essential role” in making local areas vibrant and distinctive, and 86 per cent believing they help create more connected communities.

The survey has also shown that, despite the rise in social media, foot traffic and word of mouth are still powerful marketing tools. Of those surveyed, 58 per cent of people say they are most likely to discover a small business simply by walking past it, with 52 per cent engaging with new small businesses from family and friend recommendations.

American Express Australia Managing Director Corrina Davison says small businesses play a vital role in connecting communities.

“Small businesses help shape the vibrant character of our communities,” says Corrina.

“They create local jobs, bring people together, and make our neighbourhoods more vibrant, resilient, and distinctive.”

The release of the survey results are part of American Express’ Shop Small campaign, which has named South Melbourne as Australia’s leading small business destination.

Geelong (eighth) and Fitzroy (ninth) were other Victorian locations to feature on the list, while Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, and Paddington (joint second), Parramatta (third), Newcastle (fifth) and Cabramatta (sixth) saw New South Wales regions make up half the top ten list.

Fremantle, Western Australia (seventh) and Hobart, Tasmania (tenth) round out the rankings.

Federal Minister for Small Business Dr Anne Aly says supporting small businesses has a direct impact on local communities and the broader economy.

“As a previous small business owner, I understand the hard work that goes into turning up every day,” she says.

“Every time Australians choose to shop small, they’re backing a local job, a local family, and someone who has taken a risk to build something of their own.”