Local businesses prepare for Small Business Saturday, encourage community to shop small

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – As we celebrate this week’s Thanksgiving holiday, many are looking for deals during one of the biggest shopping seasons, starting with Black Friday. However, small business owners in Alabama want to remind you not to forget about them.

Alabama offers plenty of local shopping opportunities. The District Director of the Small Business Administration reports that there are nearly 450,000 small businesses across the state. Supporting these businesses not only benefits your neighbors, but also strengthens your community.

Thomas Todt, District Director with the Alabama Office of the Small Business Administration, notes that locally owned businesses employ about 800,000 people in our state, which represents nearly half of Alabama’s workforce.

“Just think about driving through your neighborhood; if the businesses you like were gone, what would it be like? They could close down without your support,” says Todt.

When you spend money locally, you help create jobs, contribute to taxes, and support small businesses in your community. Your purchases directly benefit our state’s economy in numerous ways.

Jamie Pursell, the proprietor of Leaf & Petal in Mountain Brook, emphasizes local businesses’ positive impact on the community.

“Local businesses have brick-and-mortar locations; we pay property taxes that support our schools, and we invest in our community,” says Pursell.

This Saturday, support your community and show love to these small businesses.

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