Small Shops, Big Impact: A renewed way to support local in Sioux Falls

This event listing is sponsored by LifeScape.

In a time when many small businesses are navigating economic uncertainty, a community-driven initiative is bringing people together in a meaningful way. From May 1-10, LifeScape is bringing back its Small Shops, Big Impact, an event designed to encourage shopping local while supporting a larger mission: empowering people to live their best life.

The concept is simple. Community members can pick up a bingo card at participating stores across Sioux Falls, visit local businesses throughout the week and enter to win prizes along the way. But behind the fun is a deeper purpose, strengthening connections among local businesses, nonprofits and the community itself.

“Collaboration, philanthropy and entrepreneurship have helped make Sioux Falls the vibrant community it is today,” Mayor Paul TenHaken said.

“When organizations like LifeScape lead community-driven efforts, they strengthen the spirit of partnership that defines our city. Sioux Falls thrives when we support our entrepreneurs and champion missions that empower every resident to live their best life.”

Community-centered approach

For LifeScape, the event is about more than just fundraising — it’s about creating shared impact.

“We saw an opportunity to bring together passionate community members and supporters around a shared goal, creating meaningful impact through connection and collaboration,” said Morgan Berens, event coordinator with the LifeScape Foundation. “The event celebrates the power of local businesses while supporting LifeScape’s mission of empowering people to live their best life.”

The event spans a wide range of local shops from downtown Sioux Falls to Tea, The Empire Mall, The Bridges on 57th, and Lake Lorraine, each one bringing its own story and connection to the community.

For many business owners, initiatives like this provide more than just foot traffic — they reinforce the value of community support.

“Makers Exchange is fortunate to maintain our ongoing relationship with LifeScape,” said Shane Voss, general manager of the shop in Tea. “We are extremely blessed to be part of the greater Sioux Falls community as it continues to support both organizations.”

At Bloom & Branch, that sense of connection runs just as deep.

“It’s incredibly meaningful because it highlights the importance of inclusive, community-driven growth,” said Clare Buseman, events specialist at Bloom & Branch, a new offering from Landscape Garden Centers in downtown Sioux Falls. “Support like this strengthens connections and helps small businesses feel part of something bigger.”

Located in the historic Jones421 Building, Bloom & Branch has become part of the everyday fabric of Sioux Falls, helping people celebrate milestones, big and small.

“We’re deeply connected to Sioux Falls and love being part of the everyday moments and celebrations in our community,” Buseman said.

Power of shopping local

For everyone involved, each purchase carries weight, which is at the heart of Small Shops, Big Impact.

“When you support local businesses, you’re investing directly in your community — helping small shops thrive and building personal connections with each store,” Berens said. “During this event, shopping local goes even further by turning everyday purchases into a lasting impact for individuals with disabilities.”

At its core, Small Shops, Big Impact is about showing how small actions can create meaningful change.

From picking up a bingo card to stopping into a neighborhood shop, each step is an opportunity to support both local entrepreneurs and the individuals and families LifeScape serves.

“It’s a simple way to shop with purpose,” Berens said, “and see firsthand how small actions can create big change.”

How to participate

• You can register at any participating store or by visiting SmallShopsForLifeScape.org.
• Pick up a bingo card at any participating store.
• Shop local May 1–10.
• Register for prizes, and complete your card for additional entries.
• Participants who register will be entered to win a gift card prize, and those who complete their bingo cards will have the chance to win a curated gift basket featuring items from participating stores.