Don't forget to shop small businesses, too

It is Black Friday, the day that has become the traditional start of the Christmas shopping season and one of the biggest retail sales days of the year.

Some members of the community may have started shopping last night or very early this morning. Others will likely be out at some point today, and it all is great for our local economy.

But consumers should not forget the backbone of the community as the Christmas shopping season unfolds — and that is the locally owned and operated small businesses.

Fortunately, these businesses also have their own day and that will be Saturday.

It has been set aside as part of a national movement to gain greater recognition for businesses owned locally that, although smaller in size, contribute greatly to the well-being of the community by doing all the same things larger businesses do, including providing jobs, paying taxes and contributing to worthy causes.

“Over the last two decades, small and new businesses have been responsible for creating two out of every three net new jobs in the U.S., and today over half of all working Americans own or work for a small business,” said Karen Miller, head of the Small Business Administration.

“Last year, Small Business Saturday gave a boost to many of these Main Street businesses,” she noted, “with more than 100 million Americans shopping at independently owned small businesses. And this year we can do even better!”

Going to a small business does not just benefit them, however. These businesses are often very competitive — they have to be to operate against larger businesses. They also provide personalized service and after-purchase support. Often they may have products that aren't available elsewhere because they know the needs of their customers.

Just like larger retailers, small businesses depend on this time of year to get a significant boost to their bottom line. They will appreciate your support in visiting them on Small Business Saturday and any other time of the year — and the community will benefit from it, too.