The City of Salem, Virginia has proclaimed November 25th, 2023 as Small Business Saturday. This day is an opportunity for the community to celebrate and support local small businesses that contribute to the local economy and community. Small businesses account for 99.7% of firms with paid employees in the US and are responsible for creating 62.7% of net new jobs since 1995.

One of the main reasons to support small businesses is that sixty-eight cents of every dollar spent stays in the local community. Additionally, every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional forty-eight cents in local business activity due to employees and local businesses purchasing local goods and services. This can have a significant impact on the overall health of the community and its economy.

Seventy-two percent of consumers reported that Small Business Saturday 2022 made them want to shop and dine at small, independently-owned retailers and restaurants all year long. By supporting these businesses on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year, residents can help preserve communities, boost employment opportunities, and create a stronger economy for themselves and future generations.

Advocacy groups, as well as public and private organizations across the country have endorsed Small Business Saturday as a way to support small businesses that create jobs, boost the local economy, and preserve communities. In addition to shopping locally on this day, residents are encouraged to take part in other activities such as visiting farmers’ markets or participating in community events hosted by small businesses.

In conclusion, I urge residents of our community to support local small businesses on Small Business Saturday by shopping locally throughout the year. By doing so they will be able to contribute positively to their community’s economic growth while also supporting these important members of our society who work hard every day to make our lives better