For many of us, this holiday season invokes a spirit of giving and a time when we show our love, appreciation and support for our family, our friends and our community. 

One way in which we can better our community as a whole is by supporting small businesses and shopping local. Today is the 10^th Annual Small Business Saturday, which was established as a national day to recognize and celebrate the spectacular local impact our small businesses offer. Small businesses are the engine of our economy and economic foundation of our vibrant communities, employing half of the private sector workforce and creating about 70 percent of new net jobs.

Here are a few facts about our small businesses in America. 

• Small businesses account for nearly half of the country’s private sector employees.
• Each dollar spent at a locally-owned small business has three times the economic impact on the community as compared to national chains.
• In 2015, small business exporters were responsible for around $440 billion in U.S. exports.
• According to a National Federation of Independent Business survey, consumer spending at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday last year reached a record high of $17.8 billion.
• Small businesses offer incredible opportunity, particularly for women; 
  • Today, there are 12.3 million women-owned businesses compared to just 402,000 in 1972.
  • In 2017, over 1,800 net new women-owned businesses were launched every day with women of color founding 64 percent of those new businesses.

In celebration of Small Business Saturday, I am heading to Schenectady to stop by a few of the numerous local vendors that not only add diversity and culture to our Capital Region but are vital to our local economy.

• Schenectady Trading Company
  • A Schenectady native, Caroline Bardwell opened her store in September 2019 with the goal of creating a marketplace specifically designed to promote and sell local goods.
  • A book signing by Schenectady author of Crucible Along the Mohawk, Johnny Rockenstire, will be taking place in the shop.
• The Costumer
  • Since 1917, The Costumer has been a prominent force in the costume industry with the longtime goal of delivering a superior customer experience through high-quality, affordable costumes, props, make-up and accessories.
• Whitney Book Corner
  • Whitney Book Corner is operated by the Friends of Schenectady County Public Library and sells quality used books, audio books and DVDs at reasonable prices. All of the store’s items are either donated from the public or accrued from library discards.
• Experience and Creative Design
  • Experience and Creative Design offers customers one-of-a-kind home accessories, furniture, prints, gifts and has designed for countless weddings and businesses.
• The Katbird Shop
  • The Katbird Shop features both fine and functional art from local artists and crafters, plus a basement full of vintage items and collectibles. Owner Kathy Fitzmaurice moved back to Schenectady to open The Katbird Shop in 2005.
• Sassy’s Satellite Gallery
  • Founded in 1995, Sassy’s Satellite has become one of the premier purveyors of American pop culture collectibles in America, including vintage toys, theatrical movie posters, props, painted statues and other art and memorabilia.
• Clinton Street Mercantile
  • Clinton Street Mercantile, also called ‘The Merc’ is a curated retail marketplace located in the renovated historical Fitzgerald Building. The Merc celebrates local makers while offering unique, locally made products and goods to the community.
    

The versatility and diversity of our entrepreneurs is a great source of pride and success in our Capital Region. Small business ownership allows people to realize their dreams, not only for the owners and their families, but for those they employ and those they serve.

There are so many other fantastic small businesses right here in our Capital Region that spur growth for our economy, provide job opportunities and add a vibrancy to our community. As you continue with holiday shopping, I encourage you to consider supporting our incredible small businesses by shopping local.

Thank you to our Capital Region entrepreneurs and small business owners for your hard work and dedication in making our communities a better and brighter place.