The Season of Small Business

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) recently launched The Season of Small Business, a campaign designed to encourage shopping at small businesses throughout the holiday season. All sources reported another successful Small Business Saturday (November 25) in the books, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The holiday season, as a whole, is essential to the success of local, independently owned small businesses that rely on increased consumer spending to achieve their annual revenue goals.

Small businesses are a crucial part of local economies and communities. In Maryland, there are over 634,000 small businesses that account for 99.5% of all businesses in the state and employ roughly half of the state’s workforce. To put this in perspective, for every $100 you spend at a locally owned small business, roughly $68 stays in your local economy. We all win big when we shop local and shop small.

‘Tis the season to be thankful and enjoy quality time and precious moments with family and friends. It’s also an excellent opportunity to show appreciation for locally owned small businesses that add so much to our communities and support them by shopping and dining “small” throughout the holiday season and into the new year.

For more information about the SBA’s Season of Small Business campaign, visit www.sba.gov/seasonofsmallbusiness. If you’re an entrepreneur, the SBA has programs that can help you start and grow your small business, including access to capital, free one-on-one counseling, free or low-cost training, and government contracting assistance.

Best wishes for joyous and healthy holidays.