Why Shopping Small is BIG!

 

Small businesses have a HUGE impact on the U.S. economy! Much more than one would think. Check out these statistics from SBA.gov:

 

• The 23 million small businesses in America account for 54% of all U.S. sales.



• Small businesses provide 55% of all jobs today (and 66% of net new jobs since the 1970s).



• The 600,000+ franchised small businesses in the U.S. account for 40% of all retail sales and provide jobs for some 8 million people.



• The small business sector in America occupies 30-50% of all commercial real estate space, an estimated 20-34 billion square feet.



•  

Additionally, since 1990, the number of small businesses in the U.S. has increased 49%, and has added 8 million new jobs to the economy, while corporate America continues to downsize.

 

“In an uncertain economy, America’s small businesses have remained a beacon—creating good jobs and supporting the families they employ and the communities around them,” said National Federation of Independent Business, CEO, Dan Danner.

 

The numbers speak loud and clear—small to medium sized businesses (SMBs), albeit small, impact the economy so much so, that Small Business Saturday, was started in 2010, to recognize them.

 

On the Saturday following Thanksgiving, consumers are encouraged to celebrate America’s small businesses by shopping smaller businesses instead of large, big box retailers. This year Small Business Saturday takes place on November 30^th.

 

Since it’s inception four years ago, Small Business Saturday has grown in success. In fact, last year small businesses generated $5.5 billion in sales (NFIB) during Small Business Saturday. That’s no small change!

 

It’s a winning proposition all the way around because not only do SMBs directly benefit from the day, but also, in doing so, they create jobs; help the economy, as well as the communities where they are located.

 

So remember to show your favorite small business some love this Small Business Saturday this November 30th and Shop Small (#ShopSmall). Heck, Shop Small all year long! You’ll be happy you did!  

 

Are you a small business owner with a great holiday promotion? Or do you know of a small business that has a few unique products worthy of promotion this holiday season? If so, join us as we salute small businesses every Friday for our Small Business Showcase on Facebook.

 

(Statistics from U.S. Small Business Administration / SBA.gov)

 

Support Small Businesses by Joining NTENT's Small Business Showcasee

 

Written by: Donna M. Young, Director of Social Media for NTENT