Big support for small biz

November 26 marks the second annual Small Business Saturday initiative, which encourages consumers to patronize small merchants in their neighborhoods on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

It’s easy for the Kentucky Chamber to get behind this initiative … with small businesses making up more than 70 percent of our membership, many of the laws and policies we fight for foster growth and prosperity for small businesses.

It’s important to recognize the contributions small businesses make to our state’s economic growth, not to mention the influence and impact of these companies in their local communities. Fortunately, Kentucky is also an ideal place for small businesses to thrive, with its geographical access to the rest of the country and world through road, rail, water and air and its relatively low cost of living and doing business. Whichever county you’re in throughout the Commonwealth, you should have plenty of small businesses to choose from.

Here’s how to participate:

Business owners

Check out the free online toolkit with marketing resources and sign up to be promoted as a participating small business. Last year, participants saw a 28% increase in sales over the same day in 2009, so it pays to join in!

Take advantage of the web badges, printable signs, and more to drive business through your doors. Including a special offer can help grab the attention of consumers as well.

Be sure to comment below and let us know about your business and how you’ll be participating.

Consumers

Show your support for small businesses by liking the Small Business Saturday Facebook page and by turning up at small shops on Saturday, Nov. 26.

When there’s something you need, think first if it’s possible to get it from a local merchant or provider.

Remember, Small Business Saturday is not just for the obvious retailers and restaurants (although it’s great to support them, of course). Think of creative ways to support small companies in your area. Here are just a few of the services and products that may be available to you:

Shop Small on Saturday, November 26, 2012

• Car washes and oil changes
• Pet grooming and supplies
• Salons and spas
• Greenhouses, nurseries and farms
• Print shops
• Bed & breakfasts
• Artists, designers
• Professional services (such as legal and accounting)
• Financial planners
• Gyms, dance and yoga studios and personal trainers
• Dry cleaners
• What did we miss? Add your suggestion in the comments section.

The nationwide Small Business Saturday is still 10 days away, but you don’t have to wait until then to shop small in your neighborhood. On your way to work tomorrow, choose your local coffee shop for your morning pick-me-up, or give your sister cooking classes for her birthday. Small gestures of support for small business can mean big things for your town.