The holidays are a time to celebrate family, community, and tradition, and nothing embodies all three like the small businesses that keep Alabama’s economy running strong. One of the most meaningful ways we can thank them is by shopping local on Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday, held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is more than just a shopping day. It’s a reminder that Alabama’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy. These are the family-owned shops, restaurants, and service providers that sponsor Little League teams, donate to local fundraisers, and give our Main Streets their character.
Small businesses don’t just drive Alabama’s economy. They’re what keep it running.
They make up 99.4 percent of all businesses in the state and employ about 40 percent of Alabama’s private-sector workforce. When you spend money at a locally owned business, about 67 cents of every dollar stays in your community, supporting local jobs and services. Each dollar also creates another 50 cents in local economic activity as business owners and employees spend at other nearby businesses.
But even with that impact, small business owners continue to face real challenges. Inflation, higher interest rates, and slower sales have made it difficult for many of them to plan ahead. The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index slid a bit in October. Uncertainty remains high on Main Street.
There’s been some good news. Congress recently made the 20 percent Small Business Deduction permanent, giving local businesses more predictability and flexibility to reinvest in their employees and operations. But policy alone isn’t enough. What really sustains local businesses is community support.
When you choose to shop or dine locally, you’re not just buying a gift or a meal. You’re investing in your neighbors, your town, and your shared future. Every purchase helps keep storefronts open, jobs secure, and communities thriving.
So, this holiday season, make a point of visiting your neighborhood shops. Look for handmade or locally sourced gifts, and enjoy a meal at a family-owned restaurant. Share your favorite small businesses online and encourage others to do the same.
Small businesses give our communities their heart and soul. This holiday season, let’s give something back. On Small Business Saturday and throughout the year, let’s show Alabama’s small business owners how thankful we are for their hard work and everything they do to keep our economy–and our community–strong.
