Small Business Week?
Small Business Week is May 16th through May 20th and you’re probably thinking, “So what, and why should I care about one of those silly weeks established by someone with nothing better to do than create No Pants Day?” I must admit, that’s what I thought when I first read about it. But I was surprised to learn that small businesses make up 99.7 percent of all U.S. employers these days, and over the last decade they’ve been busy creating around 60 to 80 percent of all the new jobs in the U.S.
Since 1963, when President John F. Kennedy first established National Small Business Week, it’s underscored the crucial role small businesses play in our economy and our communities. But beyond that, it’s also reminded people that keeping small business alive and successful serves us well both individually and as a society.
No wonder small business is the backbone of the economy: small business owners provide more personalized and higher quality services than do big box stores or large corporations. They often specialize, finding their niche in the needs of some underserved segment of the community. And because the owners are often experts in their endeavor, they can help you get that special item you’ve been searching for— and maybe save you some money and headaches too. In fact, if you’re looking for something unique or different than what most people settle for, you’ll probably find it at a small business. Many small businesses offer custom services and have an intimate knowledge of the local community. They can create, find, or refer you to just what you’re looking for.
Which brings me to social networking, granny’s old-fashioned way: by shopping at small local establishments you’ll build lasting relationships over time. Isn’t it great to do business with someone you know and trust, and who knows you? Small business owners can take the time to listen to their customers and get to know them.
But really, that’s just the icing on the cake. When you do business with a locally owned shop, business, or restaurant, the money stays in your community. Small business owners and their employees use the money to buy the same things you do– and spend their money at other local small businesses. Sure, you have to pay sales tax. But part of that comes back to your community to pay for services like fire and police.
A small business is often someone’s lifelong and hard-fought-for dream. It may be based on something that the owner is passionate about, something they believe in. Dedicated entrepreneurs are so passionate about their work that they’ll to take on a huge financial risk and face head-on the possibility of failure for themselves and bankruptcy for their family. By supporting small businesses you are helping someone live their dream and succeed.
Doing business with a small local business creates a ripple effect. As a small business grows, it spends more money locally and hires local people, who in turn also spend locally. The money stays where it originated, rather than being sent off to a corporate headquarters or internet agency far away. As more and more local businesses start expanding and growing, it opens up opportunities for other small businesses to start up. The local economy thrives and vacant stores and buildings become springboards for new businesses.
But not only is there the economic benefit to the community, there is also the psychological effect. As more and more small businesses succeed, it breeds hope and lifts peoples’ spirits. They want to dine out more and share their good fortune with friends and family.
Don’t get me wrong, there is a place for the economies of scale that big box stores and large corporations bring. But even companies like Apple started in someone’s garage.
So please, during National Small Business Week, shop or work with a small local business. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find at that little restaurant around the corner… you know, the one you’ve never been to? Or how about the little boutique bed and bath store across town you’ve never looked into? Even if you pay a bit more up front, the personal service, product quality, and relationships you create are, as they say, “priceless.”
