Carol Fisher-Linn
Ellicottville, Bemus Point, Cattaraugus, Springville, Gowanda, East Aurora … and so many more small communities in our reading audience are serviced for many of their needs by small businesses. Small businesses are what keep the lifeblood flowing in these towns and many like them. Sure, we may have the benefit of a few large companies in our midst, but it is the small ones that present that day to day “face” to both locals and the visiting public. If you walk up and down the main streets in these towns and villages, you will not likely find the presence of a large retail establishment. Our stores and restaurants are privately owned, often by a family that continues the tradition from generation to generation.
Small businesses create 44% of the United States’ economic activity (GDP). If that number doesn’t strike you as being pretty out-of-the-park, consider this – In 2020, the U.S. automotive industry contributed 3% to the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). That was 2020, a COVID year, so the number may be a bit higher now – but make the comparison and begin to understand how important small businesses are to the American economy.
Per Demandsage.com, here are some telling facts: 21.4% of small business owners are females. 1.2 million women-owned businesses employ over 11 million people. Almost 20% of small business owners are from minority groups. 21.7% of small business owners are immigrants. 4.8% of small businesses are owned by Asians in the United States. Veterans own 6.1% of small businesses.
The Small Business Administration tell us that by 2022, 33.3 million small businesses operated in the U.S. Furthermore, small businesses generated 12.9 net jobs over the past twenty-five years. Historically, reported projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $17.9 billion according to the 2022 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express. American Express has also reported that consumers have spent an estimated total of more than $120 billion at small businesses on Small Business Saturday over the past 10 years. That’s a lot of big bucks coming into our small communities!
So, what’s the big deal about Small Business Saturday? Taking place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday is an annual holiday that encourages holiday shoppers to shop at local businesses. Launched by American Express in 2010 it was designed go “help small businesses gain exposure and to inspire consumers to shop locally.”
Per Bankrate, data from the National Retail Federation shows that on Small Business Saturday in 2022, 63.4 million people shopped in-store and 58 million online. In 2022, nearly 6 in 10 (59%) holiday shoppers planned to participate in Small Business Saturday – more than Black Friday (56%).
Living in this Ellicottville community for many years, before the 80’s boom, I got to know many of the business owners – even worked for some – Avis King at Earth Arts, Gerry and Mike Nickolson at Silver Fox, Arleen Solly at Kazoo and Hank Dubey at Special E*Fects, who started me down the road of local journalism. Here’s what I know – their businesses are an extension of who they are. They have not only invested their money into their businesses, and therefore into their communities, but have put their hearts and souls into them. By supporting these small businesses, we help them keep the lights on, and keep our towns and villages thriving.
So, this year why not shop at your local bakery, cupcake shop, restaurant, coffee shop, boutique or neighborhood store rather than shopping online or at a big box store. Get out and meet the owners! Shopping local affects the entire community. When more money is spent at local stores, more money stays within the community. Did you know that for every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents stays within your local economy? In addition to helping schools and other organizations through taxes, small businesses are also often the organizations that support local sports teams, charities, and events. Think about the lighting at the football field in Ellicottville, the philanthropic events supported by local businesses, little league sports, playgrounds, and school events. Plus, local retailers are more likely to hire locally than retail chains. Shop Small Business. It’s a good thing.
Large Caption: Taking place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday is an annual holiday that encourages holiday shoppers to shop at local businesses. Launched by American Express in 2010 it was designed go “help small businesses gain exposure and to inspire consumers to shop locally.”