Graphic courtesy of score.org

A local business that is thriving and growing is also much more likely to:

• Hire more employees
• Support a local sports team or PTA
• Sponsor an event
• Give to a local nonprofit or charity. According to the Seattle Good Business Network, small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to non-profits and community causes.
• Give bonuses to employees
• Expand into a new product or service line
• Pay employees more or be able to afford offering benefits or better benefits or employee perks
• Move into a larger location, which may help a landlord who hasn’t been able to rent the space
• Pay additional tax dollars that help fund local needs like police, fire, and infrastructure

Shop small has a much more encompassing reach with a small business defined by the SBA as any business employing less than 500 people with revenue under $7.5 million. Small Business Saturday as launched by American Express is likely using this definition (Small Business Saturday is a registered trademark of American Express).

$10 is Enough For Small Business Saturday or Season

Can ten dollars spent at a local store really have that large of an impact on the community? What’s the difference between buying something on Amazon or a big box store, rather than a local one?

The impact is sizable.

It’s estimated that over $9.3 billion would be returned to our US economy if every family spent just $10 a month at a local business. That’s not even one meal of spending a month! It’s only a few cups of coffee or a glass of wine a month. What a tremendous impact we could have if everyone could commit to that.

And we’re not suggesting additional spending. We’re simply advising willing supporters to switch the $10 a month they’re currently spending elsewhere to $10 with local businesses.

$10!  That’s it and that small spending can have a huge impact.

But why stop there?

The Season of Small Business Saturday Expands

American Express, Amazon, and others large companies have done a commendable job at bringing attention to the vulnerability of small businesses these days. Those who were operating with minimal profits and savings were hit extremely hard by the COVID closures.

Many big businesses stepped up to help and started running funds, offering grants, contests, marketing, and sales opportunities for small businesses on their well-known e-commerce sites.

For instance, Amazon and Walmart both allow independent sellers or small businesses on their sites.  Lenovo offered small business and minority-owned business grants as did Fed Ex.

But while these programs are wonderful, your local chamber is better suited to be able to ensure that individual small businesses in your community get the assistance they need.   If you are currently not a member of your local Chamber of Commerce, we highly encourage you to do so.  The benefits you receive as a member far outweigh the membership fees.

To find your local Chamber of Commerce, visit the US Chamber Directory at https://www.uschamber.com/co/chambers

Small businesses need your support all through the holiday season and beyond.

Reproduced and edited with permission from the Campbell County TN Chamber of Commerce