By: Madelyn Alexander, Vallo Vision News

For many students, the college experience extends beyond what the campus alone has to offer. The learning and living environment that Montevallo provides is one of diversity and exploration. One way this can be seen across the city is through its small businesses.

Montevallo’s small businesses are a large contributor to the “close-knit community” that UM student Isabella Giles enjoys so much. Say said, “[This] community helps me connect with so many creative people!”

Giles says she also enjoys the unique artistic experience she gets from Montevallo. She appreciates the fact that there is a locally owned and operated art supply store, Falcon Art Supply, on Main Street. “Becky (the owner) is always super friendly and helpful with anything art related,” said Giles.

According to a report by the United States Small Business Administration, 99.7 percent of business in the U.S. is considered small business, comprising 48 percent of all U.S. employees. Between 1993 and 2013, 63 percent of new jobs were created by small businesses, according to an article published by Forbes.

For many students, working for a locally owned business can offer many benefits. Working locally provides a short commute for students living on campus, and with Montevallo being a walkable community, they might not even need to own a car to get to work. Local businesses are also likely to be flexible to a student’s schedule.

Strand Coffeehouse on Main Street. Courtesy: Madelyn Alexander

Dining options off campus

In Montevallo, many small businesses are dining options for students who want to get away from the usual on-campus dining. For student Autumn Le, these options are a large contributor to her experience at Montevallo.

Le says she does not eat on campus but two or three times a week. She enjoys the experience of eating locally in Montevallo because “it creates more of a one on one environment instead of being just someone in the crowd.”

Some off campus restaurants accept Flex Points, the university’s student dining currency. Among those restaurants are El Agave, C’s Cake and Coffee House, and Main Street Tavern. These restaurants are favorites for many students looking for an alternative to Pita Pit and Einstein’s on campus.

Personalized shopping experience

Part of the appeal of small business is the personalized experience that comes from shopping locally. In Montevallo it is common to find items that directly correspond to a need of the community. With the University of Montevallo being a liberal arts college, there are some local businesses that choose to support that part of the community.

Blue Phrog Gallery on Main Street displays the works of many local artists, including wood carvings from Tim Tingle, who also responsible for the tree carvings in Orr Park.

Choosing to support local business not only helps the owners and their families, but it contributes to the community and larger economy.