Tomorrow is the first ever Small Business Saturday. It’s a day for us to support the small businesses in our community. The day is being supported by American Express OPEN, Facebook, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Yelp, and SCORE.
This is an important effort for our economic well-being. Here are some facts from their website:
Small businesses represent 99% of all employer firms.
Small businesses employ half of all private sector employees.
For every year over the past decade, almost 80% of new jobs were generated by small business.
For every $100 spent at a local small business, $68 returns to the community.
If we’re serious about wanting companies to create jobs, to put people back to work, and improve our economy, then it’s imperative that we get out there and support the small businesses in our community.
We want them to be successful. We need them to be successful.
As a small business owner, I learned a long time ago to support my community. My local neighborhood helps me be successful every day. And in exchange, I need to support those people and businesses who support me.
So whether it’s a little shopping at a local boutique or dinner at that charming neighborhood restaurant, take time tomorrow to support your local businesses.
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Lorne Pike says
Great post, Sharlyn. Having been a small business owner for over 20 years now, I’m a believer. It’s a lot like being a parent, actually, which I’ve also been for over 20 years now! The challenges can be overwhelming, but so can the rewards. Not always monetarily (although it’s great when that happens!), but you can see and feel the difference that a good day’s work can make.
And you’re right, so much does stay in the community, rather than being pulled away into some corporate headquarters in another city, state, province, or country. Hopefully a lot of small businesses feel the boost tomorrow. Have a great day!
Sharlyn Lauby says
Thanks Lorne. This event has so much potential not only for this year but every year. I’ll be doing my part. 😉
laurie ruettimann says
I love this — but if AMEX was serious about small businesses, they’d waive their transaction fees for the day.
Sharlyn Lauby says
Thanks for the comment Laurie. Amex is donating $1M to Girls Inc. and offering registered Cardmembers a $25 statement credit when people shop at small businesses tomorrow. Details are on the Small Business Saturday Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday?v=app_165267296827487
Jeff Williams says
Sharlyn,
I love this! I try to shop local whenever possible. Today I needed some loose lay vinyl for the kitchen of one of my rental properties. Our town has 2 locally owned shops that sell carpet and vinyl products.
First Stop: I told them about Small Business Saturday. Of course they hadn’t heard of it but were thrilled I was shopping local. But when I asked about loose lay vinyl they said they no longer sell loose lay vinyl. They get too many complaints when the shop installs. But no complaints for self-installers. Well…no loose lay…I have to go to stop 2.
Second Stop: The shop is open, but no one is working on a Saturday that can cut the vinyl. Ummm. Saturday is a big day for working people to go buy home improvement supplies.
Unfortunately my next stop is Home Depot. I only have one more day to get the vinyl before the work week starts. So, I’ll go buy what I need tomorrow.
Two stops wasted today. No vinyl. I tried to shop local.
Small businesses need to make sure two things are available to draw business: Product the customer wants and Service when the customer wants it. If they don’t provide these two things they will be eaten alive by the “big box” shops. And if they choose not to provide these two things, the only one the small business owner can blame is themselves.
Sharlyn Lauby says
Thanks for the comment Jeff. You are absolutely right. Saturday was a great way to draw attention to buying from small businesses. But small business needs to do their part by delivering excellent service.