Member for Lowan Emma Kealy is encouraging locals to "think local and shop local' to support local businesses.

This comes as the Small Business Festival takes place across the state for the month of August.

Ms Kealy said that the festival acts as a good reminder to support local businesses and employment opportunities.

"Shopping locally helps boost the fortunes of local businesses which in turn means they have more money to spend on local goods and services.

"The Lowan electorate has many fantastic businesses and it is great when people do their best to support them by shopping in town, rather than online or elsewhere.

"Local businesses can provide the quality face-to-face service that customers value and there are often added benefits to supporting your town by shopping locally."

Ms Kealy recognises the simple but important extras that local businesses often offer, such as free advice, free delivery and good old fashioned customer service.

"Both big and small local businesses play an important role within our rural communities by providing employment, sponsorship and many other flow on benefits, which all help to keep our money local and improve our local areas.

"Everyone benefits when we all make an effort to think local and shop local."

Photo: Dimboola's Lloyd Street. Photo by Bronwyn Hastings.