SCOTT: A ‘yes’ vote for Small Business Saturday makes year-round impact
Election Day has passed but you still have time to make one more “Yes” vote. I’d like to ask for you to do that for Small Business Saturday, which is Nov. 24 this year.
Why is a yes for Small Business Saturday so important? Approximately 30 million small businesses ignite our local economies and enrich our communities throughout the year. In so many ways, they act as the glue that holds communities together. Small businesses create two out of every three new jobs and deliver essential goods and services to America and abroad 365 days a year. More so, half of working Americans either own or work for a small business.
Last year, Small Business Saturday packed a big punch to the U.S. economy: 108 million consumers shopped or dined small and generated approximately $12 billion in reported spending. In Illinois, those out on Small Business Saturday last year supported the small restaurant/bar/pub category the most.
Americans have more money in their paychecks from President Trump’s tax cuts and more than 6 million workers have seen a bonus, which will contribute to making this holiday season brighter. Beginning your holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday in Downtown Springfield will help support those creating jobs and boosting the economy. By committing to make at least one purchase from a locally-owned small business, not only will you have a unique gift or story to deliver, you’ll also make a meaningful impact.
Visit www.shopsmall.com to find participating small businesses and travel outside your comfort zone — and away from your computer screen — to discover the shopping here in Springfield with local stores and restaurants to help you refuel.
Vote yes for Small Business Saturday and make a positive impact for Illinois by joining me and more than 100 million Americans in shopping and dining small on Nov. 24.
I look forward to seeing your stories and where you’re shopping with #ShopSmall via social media. Follow us on Twitter @SBA_Illinois to learn more about the impact of small businesses and how the SBA works to power the American dream of business ownership.
Rob Scott is the Great Lakes regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration. He oversees the agency’s programs and services in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.
