Shopping local supports community, businesses
LENAWEE COUNTY — While supporters of small businesses want to promote the importance of shopping locally throughout the year, the message of doing so rings even louder during the holidays.
This is where — and why — Small Business Saturday came to be.
Created in 2010, Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express as a marketing initiative to encourage holiday shopping on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States. The days post-Thanksgiving are some of the busiest shopping periods of the year with Black Friday on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday the very next day, and Cyber Monday on the very next Monday.
“Now more than ever, small businesses need our support,” the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) said on its website, sba.gov.
SBA has cosponsored Small Business Saturday with American Express since 2011, calling the special retail day “an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season.”
“Support our nation’s more than 34 million independent businesses this Small Business Saturday and all holiday season long,” the SBA said.
Here are some facts and figures to consider about Small Business Saturday:
- In 2023, according to the SBA, the reported projected spending in the United States from those who shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday was around $17 billion.
- Since its establishment in 2010, the total reported U.S. spending at small businesses during Small Business Saturday is an estimated $201 billion.
Small business growth predicted for 2025
A report released Nov. 22 by U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President Thomas Sullivan forecasts an upward trend in small business success for 2025, according to information shared by Launch Lenawee, a local program that educates entrepreneurs and business owners to ensure their success and ultimately boost the local economy.
Sales at small businesses rose by an average of nearly 10% in comparison to last year at this time, the report said. Specifically, the types of businesses experiencing growth include retailers, restaurants and service-based businesses.
“For people debating on starting their own business, now is the time to take the leap,” Sheila Blair, team leader for Launch Lenawee, said in a news release.
The Adrian Armory and Events Center near downtown Adrian, 230 W. Maumee St., which houses the Launch Lenawee program, will host a program orientation at 6 p.m. Jan. 7, 2025, in its lower level for the Launch Lenawee Entrepreneurial Action Program (LLEAP). LLEAP is described as a learning series that combines in-person and online learning as well as guest presenters and mentors, who have experienced business success.
“The orientation is open to anyone who has a business idea or wants to be a business owner,” Blair said. “We’ll go over the entrepreneurial lifestyle and what people can expect out of the LLEAP program.”
The program is the only one of its kind offered in Lenawee County and allows participants to gain the skills and tools needed to run their own small business.
“In the last seven years, Launch Lenawee has launched many successful businesses,” added Mark Murray, one of Launch Lenawee’s founding principals.
Some of the businesses that have come through the program include The Marks Trading Company, Pets in Focus, W4 Entertainment, Harvest Chocolate and many more.
“The classes also will offer Spanish translation services, provided by the Hispanic of Lenawee Alliance (HOLA), so Spanish-speaking residents of Lenawee County are welcome as well,” Blair stated.
For more information about the orientation program, including to express interest in the program, email Blair at [email protected].
Brian Calley keynotes Lenawee Now’s Fall Economic Club luncheon
Leaders in business, education and government came together Nov. 19 for the Fall 2024 Economic Club luncheon hosted by Lenawee Now and the Align Center for Workforce Development.
The event, held at the Christian Family Centre in Adrian, welcomed more than 90 patrons from across the region who heard from keynote speaker Brian Calley, former Michigan Lieutenant Governor and the current President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM).
Calley served as the Lieutenant Governor under Gov. Rick Snyder. In this role, he made Michigan more economically competitive, the Align Center said, and lifted the state’s business tax climate into the nation’s top 10. Calley has been the President and CEO of SBAM since 2019, advocating for businesses throughout the state.
At the luncheon, Calley addressed key economic trends and legal developments that could shape the small business climate in the coming year. He highlighted inflation, income growth trends and the impact of the consumer price index. He also noted how the labor force participation rate, job growth and the national debt affected federal rate cuts and the economy.
“Brian Calley brings a wealth of private-sector experience and a proven track record in public office,” Lenawee Now and the Align Center for Workforce Development commented jointly. “As President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, he takes an inclusive, problem-solving approach that addresses the needs of small businesses.”
Lenawee Now and the Align Center for Workforce Development have announced the next Economic Club luncheon — a winter presentation — will be held Jan. 14, 2025, featuring Jim Holcomb, president of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Inquiries about the event can be emailed to Ron Griffith, interim executive director of the Align Center for Workforce Development at [email protected].
“We are pleased to be able to provide forums related to economic development,” Griffith said.
Economic Club luncheons began in 2022 and provide various perspectives and dialogue on key economic issues. Throughout the luncheons, college presidents, acclaimed authors and technology innovators have shared insights on relevant developments regarding the state of business, workforce and education.
Shopping locally supports an entire community, not just a business
In Lenawee County, each municipality has its own way of celebrating/promoting Small Business Saturday. Many of the businesses in these communities are offering specials, sales and giveaways to kick off the holiday season.
In Morenci, for example, the city is planning its third annual Small Business Saturday event downtown. Nearly 10 businesses will have promotions throughout the day including the following:
More than 30 small business booths are registered as part of a craft show and vendor fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Morenci Event Center.
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“Shopping local is more than just a transaction; it’s an investment in our community and its people,” the city of Morenci said in an announcement. “When you choose to spend your dollars in downtown Morenci, you’re supporting your neighbors, friends and local entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our economy.”
The impact of a local purchase:
- For every $100 spent at a local business, $73 stays within the community. In contrast, only $43 remains when the same amount is spent at a national chain, the city of Morenci said.
- Small businesses donate 250% more to school and community causes as compared to national chains.
- Shopping locally is environmentally friendly, reducing fuel consumption for transportation, and minimizing packaging waste.
“By shopping local, you’re investing in our community and supporting businesses that consistently give back to Morenci,” the city said.
— Contact reporter Brad Heineman at [email protected] or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LenaweeHeineman.
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