The leaves are turning, the air is crisp and to-do lists are growing. Our thoughts turn to family gatherings, holiday traditions and festivities. It’s time to celebrate each other and it’s the perfect opportunity to show appreciation for local entrepreneurs.
This year, on Small Business Saturday© (Nov. 27), it is even more important than ever for all of us to “Shop Small.” As the voice for small business in the Federal government, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognizes how important it is to support our local, independently owned small businesses and restaurants.
Why does shopping “small” matter? Small businesses are vital to Pennsylvania’s economy. According to the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, small businesses account for 99.6% of all Pennsylvania businesses and employ close to half of the workforce in the state. They are the cornerstones of our neighborhoods, provide jobs and give back to their communities. To put it in perspective, for every $100 you spend at a locally owned business, roughly $68 stays in your local economy.
Many towns across the state are hosting special events, with retailers offering discounts and refreshments to entice shoppers to Pennsylvania’s main streets for a special shopping experience. While you may still be cautious of in-person shopping, most retailers have embraced e-commerce and offer curbside service for online or phone orders. It’s also a great time to “dine local” and pick-up carry-out or visit a local eatery once you’ve had your fill of Thanksgiving leftovers.
SBA also wants entrepreneurs to know that the SBA stands ready to assist you. We offer a variety of programs to help you start, grow, or rebuild your small business. Options include access to capital, no-cost one-on-one counseling, training, and government contracting assistance. There is a wealth of information at Small Business Administration (sba.gov), including details on all SBA programs, holiday marketing tips and more.
It’s the season to be thankful and to enjoy quality time with family and friends. Show your thanks for small businesses, restaurants, and their employees who add so much to our communities and support them by shopping and dining “small” throughout the holiday season and well into the new year. Local entrepreneurs deserve our support as they continue to navigate, retool, and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
To continue the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses, and to continue rebuilding our economy, please join the Eastern Pennsylvania District Office and the rest of the U.S. Small Business Administration in “Shopping Small.”
