One of the best things about having offices across North America (and the world) is the ability to make a positive impact in so many communities.
As we enter another season of giving, we polled our colleagues once again for their favorite small, independently-owned businesses, and did they ever deliver! We hope you’ll find some inspiration, some gift ideas and maybe even something for yourself while supporting some of our favorite entrepreneurs.
Chicago and Midwest
To inspire youth, empower communities, and build a better world one block at a time. “This organization provides opportunities and experiences for youth in underserved communities to experience life in our city and beyond.” – Rhonda Tripp, Sr. Account Manager
With two locations in Chicago, Sip of Hope is the world’s first coffee where 100% of the proceeds support proactive suicide prevention and mental health education.
Latino/Family owned restaurant, they support the Latino community and beyond from hosting pop up shops for women/Latina owned businesses to offering transparent employment opportunities for the community.
Black/woman owned Justice of the Pies considers itself to be a social mission in a culinary art form. Thier goal is to positively impact the lives of others “I have a sweet spot (no pun intended) for organizations that take their craft and weave it into something much bigger. That is the case with Justice of the Pies, the owner Maya is a consistent voice for social justice and equity.” – Rhonda Tripp, Sr. Account Manager
Austin and Southwest
Addie Rose is a contemporary women’s boutique in Austin, TX. The boutique brings ladies an alluring, carefully edited collection of affordable fashion-forward clothing, accessories, and gifts! The boutique suits all budgets & focuses on showcasing styles of strong women who excite, encourage & inspire. – Emily Beckman, Account Manager
Black Pearl Books is an independent bookstore promoting diversity, inclusion, and representation through literature. – Isabella Matarrita, Account Operations Coordinator
Austin’s favorite locally owned stationery shop + workshop studio featuring independent paper designers, makers and small businesses. Shop our retail store in East Austin or online 24/7 for the best paper goods, greeting cards, Japanese stationery and more! Our workshop studio features creative and fun classes for all!
LGBTQIA+ Art, Merch, and Other Gay Stuff
Shop products designed by independent LGBTQAI+ artists and makers from around the world. Be proud, shop local, support small, and support your community! – Brandon Farmahini, Content and Speaker Services Project Manager
Boston and Northeast
A brick and mortar store with sustainable and affordable craft supplies!
Secondhand art and craft supplies. An online thrift store for creative materials. Fabric, yardage, yarn, notions, knitting needles, sewing projects and kits. Affordable art materials, pencils, pens, pastels, charcoal, sketchbooks and more. – Hannah Kempkes, Administrative Assistant
Boston-area Indie bookshop with curated selection and lots of awesome events.
Nashville/South
“Roy’s Meat Service is a staple of East Nashville and loved by all of us around it. They fed many families after the 2020 tornado that ripped through the neighborhood and are consistently giving back to the community. Really good people!” – Collin Montemarano, Sr. Partner Relations Manager
“Dayna Lee is the owner and founder of Comal 864, a James Beard Award semifinalist. Comal helped feed our neighborhood during Hurricane Helene (for free). She brought charcoal grills outside without power and had local farms donate food so she could provide our community with food around the clock.” – Jessica Miller, Vice President, Growth & Development
“Whether you’re eating a taco at Comal 864 or dim sum at Sum Bar, two popular Greenville restaurants, you’re not only supporting queer-owned and queer-friendly businesses, you’re also boosting the Upstate economy.”
West Coast
Gusto Bread is here to serve the community fresh breads, delicious food, comforting beverages, and deepen people’s relationship to the act of making, sharing, and eating it!
“Gusto – love the welcoming and homey environment. Yummy fermented bread and indigenous ingredients … not to mention the cool craft products, ceramics and small batch goods!” – Nita Gorman, Sr. Producer
“Plantiitas is a queer and POC-owned small business plant shop. Lovely tropical houseplants, handmade planters, and hand crafted goods from local SoCal vendors. Plus they support the community with workshops, wellness circles, comedy nights and the not to miss drag bingo!”
Coconut soy candles, inspired by Asian/Filipino Culture, hand poured in Los Angeles, CA.
Wedding and Custom Cake Builder | Pastries | Torrance Bakery
We are a family owned and operated establishment, and we’ve been that way since 1984. Once you pass through our doors, you’re family too!
Experience a unique fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors at Spoon House Bakery Restaurant in Gardena, CA. Enjoy delicious dishes like Wasabi Squid Spaghetti and Plum Shiso Spaghetti, along with the famous $1 salad. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options!
We work with local suppliers to source the freshest and most authentic ingredients, and use old-fashioned techniques to ensure the highest quality. Our goal is to make your tastebuds happy.Kick start your morning with us!
We Are Little Giants | Premium Streetwear for Kids
Authentic and culturally relevant clothing for kids. Premium T-shirts, onesies, hoodies, books and more. Toddler and baby streetwear that’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before!
Small, women-owned business supporting local artists. They also sell ethically sourced items from other countries. “It’s my go to spot for gifts.”
Multiple Locations/Online
“A non-profit with an online marketplace that provides meals for starving children with every purchase. Goods are also made in 3rd world countries, and workers paid a living wage for their craft.” – Tori Dykhoff, Producer
Shop artisan-made jewelry, gifts, home decor, apparel, accessories, and much more. Your FMSC MarketPlace purchases provide fair wages to artisans and life-saving FMSC MannaPack™ meals for starving children around the world.
