From a press release:
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is encouraging Washingtonians to shop small this November 30 as part of Small Business Saturday, a day that is dedicated to supporting the small businesses that anchor our local communities and strengthen our economy.
“From the Main Street shops to the high-tech startups, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of a diverse and thriving marketplace,” said Acting SBA Administrator Jeanne A. Hulit. “By shopping small and supporting local business, we all have a role to play in giving millions of families the opportunity to achieve the American dream.”
America’s 28 million small businesses create two out of every three net new private sector jobs and are the backbone of our economy, with half of working Americans either owning or working for a small business. Small Business Saturday is a nation-wide initiative that brings Americans together to support small businesses, with the money you spend going right back into your local economy.
“Let’s all do our part this year to help America’s small businesses do what they do best: grow their business, create jobs, and ensure that our communities remain as vibrant tomorrow as they are today,” said SBA Seattle District Office Director Nancy Porzio.
Small businesses make up 98 percent of all employers in Washington state, and employ more than half of the private-sector labor force. Most of Washington’s small businesses are very small, as nearly 75 percent of all businesses have no employees and most employers have fewer than 20 employees. In total, more than a million workers in Washington state work for a small business employer.
Started in 2010, Small Business Saturday has boosted holiday sales in Main Street businesses around the country. Last year, nearly 70 million people shopped small in their communities for an estimated $5.5 billion in sales to independently-owned small businesses. This year, we can do even more.
For more information on how to support Small Business Saturday in your area, or to get great Small Business Saturday marketing tips and resources, check out www.sba.gov/saturday or visit www.smallbusinesssaturday.com.
