The Nurturing Well by: Jill Starbuck
Shopping enthusiasts love Thanksgiving because it means an adventurous shopping day with envious deals is around the corner. Each year Black Friday signifies the start of holiday shopping. For some, Black Friday is a dreadful occasion filled with long lines, impossible traffic, frustration, and a race to the best deals. For others, Black Friday is challenging and fun. While many know all about Black Friday, another important shopping day exists after Thanksgiving as well. Did you know that the Saturday after Thanksgiving marks an important day for some retailers? Dubbed by American Express four years ago, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday, which is November 29 this year.
Each year, more than 500,000 small businesses open; however, the number of businesses that closes each year outnumbers those that open. Of those businesses that open, only half will survive up to five years, indicating the struggles they face. Yet, small businesses remain critical aspects of a successful economy.
The following indicate a few of the ways small businesses remain so important:
1. Tie communities together. Small businesses know the names of their employees and customers. People are more than just a number to small businesses. Further, small businesses provide more growth, innovation, and employment opportunities to local residents.
2. Provide unique options. Small businesses have more freedom to pick and choose the types of products they offer. They do not have to follow as strict of sales plan as large corporations; therefore, they can tailor their products to customer tastes.
3. Give back to the local economy. Often, small business owners support their local economy in a variety of ways. Some of these include helping with local charity efforts, serving on local boards, and supporting other businesses within the community.
4. Sacrifice themselves. Small business owners often wear many hats and have to devote a lot of hours outside of regular work hours to make a business succeed. These owners invest tremendous amounts of time, money, and passion to see their businesses prosper. For most, their business is not just a job.
5. Represent a significant portion of the workforce. Small businesses generate more than 65% of new jobs. More than half of the working population works for a small business. Therefore, it’s prudent that we support small businesses.
Shop locally and check out other small businesses to keep small communities thriving. You will experience a more personal shopping experience. In addition, you may find something new and unique that you’d never find anywhere else.
Jill Starbuck has 20 years of experience as a business writer, editor, and market research analyst. She is a certified health coach through the Integrative Institute of Nutrition and a certified running coach through the Road Runners Club of America. She is also the co-owner of a running business. She can be reached at jillstarbuck@hotmail.com.
