Health & Fitness

Celebrate Small Business!

I started my first business at the tender age of sixteen.  To this day, I remember walking out of town hall, business license in hand, feeling like nothing could stop me! The entrepreneurial spirit is in my blood and I have such respect for all of the innovators out there who are turning their dreams into reality. These small businesses are the backbone of our economy.

National Small Business Week is in full swing and is designed to help highlight the important contribution of entrepreneurs and small businesses to local economies.  

Now, I'm not big on throwing out stats and percentages. Seriously, who wants to read that!  But, it's important to highlight the power of shopping small and the impact of spending habits within your community.

For every dollar spent at a locally owned small business, 67 cents stays right here and continues to get recycled, having three times the impact on your community as dollars spent at national chains. When shopping small, you simultaneously create jobs, fund services through sales tax, invest in neighborhood improvement and promote community development.  

Most people are surprised to learn that small businesses are the biggest source of new jobs, accounting for nearly two of every three new jobs created in the United States each year! Did you know that more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business?  These innovators are invested in the local community, create the flavor of your town and are a big part of why people want to live, work, eat and shop in your community!

So, what can you do?  Simply make an effort to shop small.

For my part, I am hosting a series of small business development seminars, (along with other local professionals), throughout the year, empowering entrepreneurs with knowledge and experienced relevant resources.  (For details, email Heather.Caulkins@Patch.com)  

I'm also going to hit my local farmers market this week.  
Where will you go to show some small business love?  


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