Support Small Business To Save America
It’s been said that behind every small business, there’s a person with a dream.
Entrepreneurship. Capitalism. The pursuit of excellence. The desire for independence. Building something from nothing. Creating jobs and opportunities for others. Charitable works. Community. All of that is wrapped up in the small businesses that dot across this nation, and so much more.
There are 33.2 million small businesses that employ more than 61.5 million people in the United States today.
Yet, owning a small business isn’t for the faint of heart. Sadly, 20% of new businesses close within one year, and just 35% of new businesses last a decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Looking at the business landscape in 2023, 32$ of business owners cite inflation as their single biggest challenge; 41% have trouble finding labor to fill jobs; and 85% say supply chain issues are an ongoing struggle.
As we head into the fourth quarter of 2023, the next three months are critical to the future of so many small businesses. With the holidays right around the corner, this is the time when many businesses and boutiques earn the most revenue.
Yet, many are struggling to pay employees, foot the bills, invest in inventory, and to keep the doors open.
I know Amazon is having big Prime deals right now, and Target always has stuff on major discount. Walmart is cheap and easy. And the big box stores can get you your items freaky fast.
But do we think about the impact of our dollars when we shop? Every time we shop from a small, family-owned business we are helping to keep the American dream alive.
We keep our rural main streets thriving. We bring hope to the heartland. We create job opportunities for folks in small towns. We keep capitalism alive. And we maintain a robust and diverse marketplace that isn’t centralized and controlled by a few corporate entities.
These small businesses are run by families who sponsor the local sports teams, volunteer as club leaders in 4-H, help out at the local church, bring a casserole over when you’re going through tough times, help in the community, and know your kids by name.
Small businesses make up the fabric and lifeblood of our communities, and as you shop for your loved ones this upcoming holiday season, I urge you to shop with your values. Shop for the world you want to see. Shop for the future you want your small town to have. And shop small because it’s true — every time an order comes through, a small business owner does a happy dance.
This is what makes up the heart of rural America. This is what keeps our main streets alive. This is what keeps our young people in our communities. This is how we keep our dollars circulating close to home.
Sure, Amazon is cheap and fast, but what does a world look like with no mom and pop shops on main street? No local gas station or grocery store? No hair salon, gift shop, bakery, and western goods store in town?
The future of our country, our families, and our communities counts on all of us shopping small and local.
Will we fight for the future we want to see?