HUNTSVILLE — They’re your neighbors. Your family. Your co-workers. Your employers.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and Saturday we celebrate and support them and all they do for their communities.
This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the pandemic.
“Not only do our small businesses bring charm and character to Alabama, but they play an integral role in building and maintaining a strong economy. Small business support trickles back down to opportunities for job creation, support for our schools, possibilities for new innovation, but ultimately, it is positively felt by all,” Gov. Kay Ivey said today. “I encourage all Alabamians to support small businesses and spend locally this Saturday.
“Simply put, when you support an Alabama small business, you support our state.”
The National Federation of Independent Business applauded Ivey’s proclamation.
“Small Business Saturday is a great way for the community to support local and family-owned businesses,” said Rosemary Elebash, NFIB Alabama state director. “Small business owners are coming out of the pandemic facing serious economic headwinds such as inflation, worker shortages and ongoing supply chain disruptions.
“Now more than ever, small businesses need support not only on Small Business Saturday but every day. Small businesses are the backbone of Alabama’s economy, and we encourage everyone to shop small this holiday season.”
According to research conducted by NFIB and American Express, 67 cents of every dollar spent at a family-owned small business stays in the community. Additionally, every dollar spent at a local small business creates an additional 50 cents in local business activity as employers and their employees shop at other local businesses.
Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by the Small Business Administration since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season.
Historically, reported projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $23.3 billion according to the 2021 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express.
So, take a visit to some of the small businesses around here, chat with the owner, and make a purchase.
It’s a small gesture but goes a big way.
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