Key Takeaways from the Article about Small Business Saturday in Alabama:
Here’s a breakdown of the important information from the provided text:
1. Economic Impact of small Businesses in Alabama:
* Dominance: Small businesses make up 99.4% of all businesses in Alabama (610 businesses).
* Employment: They employ 46% of Alabama’s workforce.
* Exports: Over 3,337 Alabama small businesses export goods, totaling $4.2 billion (16.4% of the state’s total exports).
* Local Spending: 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays within the local community. Each dollar spent generates an additional 50 cents in local economic activity.
2. Small Business Saturday & Support:
* Date: November 29th is officially proclaimed Small business Saturday in Alabama.
* Call to Action: Governor Ivey encourages alabamians to support local shops, restaurants, and service providers.
* National Alignment: The focus on Small Business Saturday aligns with national efforts to empower small businesses, reduce regulations, and promote American-made commerce.
3. Key Voices & Perspectives:
* Governor Ivey: Highlights small businesses as the “heart and hustle” of Alabama,creating jobs and strengthening communities.
* rosemary Elebash (NFIB): Emphasizes the significant contribution of small businesses to the state’s economy and workforce.
* Janita Stewart (SBA): Positions Small Business Saturday as the kickoff to the “Season of Small” and encourages consumers to “shop small.”
4. Diversity of Businesses:
* Alabama’s small businesses operate across a wide range of industries including retail, construction, and professional services.
In essence,the article is a strong endorsement of small businesses in Alabama,emphasizing their vital role in the state’s economy and encouraging residents to support them during the holiday season and beyond.
