Celebrate National Small Business Week with ‘I’m Here’ campaign

The countdown begins for a celebration of local communities during National Small Business Week from April 28 to May 4, according to a news release from Sharon Pearson, interim executive director of the Oberlin Business Partnership.

The Oberlin Business Partnership, in collaboration with several other Lorain County Main Street organizations, including the Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, are presenting the “I’m Here” campaign, which will ignite excitement across Oberlin and beyond, Pearson said.

“We invite shoppers to embark on a journey of support and discovery within Oberlin’s charming streets,” the release said. “Participants are encouraged to explore beloved Oberlin businesses, many adorned with the unmistakable ‘I’m Here’ card, signaling a beacon of community spirit and entrepreneurial resilience.

“We’re encouraging visits and ‘selfies’ with the ‘I’m Here’ card, capturing the essence of our vibrant community during this special week.”

Discover the “I’m Here” card at your favorite Oberlin establishments and capture the moment with a selfie alongside your purchase; you can post multiple pictures from multiple businesses.

According to Pearson, hashtags are crucial to posts to be noticed, and posts with the hashtags #Shop44074 or #Shop4470 earns a chance at a $50 local business gift card and #LoCoSmallBiz provides a chance to win over $350 in gift cards encompassing all participating communities in Lorain County.

“Please mark your calendars for May 8, when we will unveil the winners live on Facebook, transforming anticipation into celebration,” the release said. “Prepare for a jubilant spectacle as we honor our vibrant community and the spirited individuals who fuel its heartbeat.”

“I’m Here” cards are available at participating downtown businesses and the Oberlin Business Partnership office at 23 E. College St.

Contact Joanna Mercado at obpoƯice@gmail.com or 440-774-6262 to secure cards and ensure a place in this journey of support and camaraderie, according to the release.

Among the organizations involved in “I’m Here” this year, Main Street Vermilion will make its return in running the campaign for Vermilion small businesses as well, with over 40 planned to participate so far, according to Kate Repola, executive director.

“This is a collaboration with Lorain County chambers and Main Streets, so we did this last year and we are happy to participate again this year,” Repola said. “National Small Business Week is just an important reminder of how important our small businesses are to our local economies, and it’s just an easy way for everyone to get involved.”

Since many businesses take to social media to advertise, Repola said the “I’m Here” campaign is “a great way to advertise” businesses and help them to be recognized in a cost efficient and interactive way.

“I think it really highlights the small businesses as far as getting to share with the card,” said Jacqui Adkins, owner of Main Street Threads and Mistakes on the Lake. “It’s really cool because a lot of people might not have heard of a certain store, especially if there’s new stores.

“It just brings awareness of products they might have or even that their store is there.”

Main Street Threads is one of the many participating businesses in recognition of National Small Business Week and will offer 10% off an entire order after checking in with their post online while at the register, Adkins said.

“We’re sharing other businesses as well; check out our feed, we’re highlighting other businesses that week, too,” she said.

“I’m Here” cards can be found in the Main Street Vermilion office, 685 Main St., or any participating Vermilion business.

Posts with hashtag #44089ShopSmall will earn entry for a $50 local Vermilion business gift card as well.

The #LOCOsmallBiz hashtag earns entry to the same “Grand Prize” of over $350 worth of gift cards to local small businesses with the May 13 drawing, according to Main Street Vermilion.