Montgomery, AL – In a display in unwavering loyalty to small businesses in Alabama the Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation proclaiming the 25th of November 2023 to be Small Business Saturday across the state. The purpose of this designation is to recognize and promote the celebration of the impact that small-scale businesses can have on communities across Alabama.
Governor Ivey stressed the vital importance of local businesses in stimulating innovation, creating job opportunities and the vitality of the communities across the state. In her speech she called on all Alabamans to put their money into local businesses on Small Business Saturday, emphasizing that the support of these businesses directly benefits the state’s communities and citizens.
According to Alabama’s 2023 small-business profile, which is annually compiled from the U.S. Small Business Administration Small-scale businesses make up an overwhelming portion of Alabama’s economy. They have a leading position in various industries around the world, employing more than 50% of the people in Alabama.
U.S. Small Business Administration Alabama District Director Thomas Todt underscored the significance of Small Business Saturday, urging residents to use a percentage of their money to Alabama’s small business community of 422,518. These businesses together make up 99.4 percent of the state and employ 818,234 people which is 46% of Alabama’s workforce.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is the most prominent small business advocacy group in Alabama expressed appreciation for governor Ivey in her announcement. Rosemary Elebash, NFIB Alabama State Director, emphasized the crucial role small-scale businesses play in boosting the economy, creating jobs and assisting in the overall health of communities.
Elebash said, “When we support locally owned and operated restaurants and shops We also are supporting our neighbors and friends. We are a part of the businesses that provide jobs, support our children’s sports teams and donate to local charitable organizations.” She also emphasized the closeness that is a part of shopping at a local business which is where customers will have a direct interaction with the proprietor who has a personal desire to establish lasting connections.
The research conducted by NFIB suggests that sixty-seven percent of every dollar that is spent at small businesses owned by families remain within the community. Furthermore, every dollar spent on a local small-scale company produces an additional 50 cents of local economic activity because the employees and employers of the business help other local companies.
