As a new small business owner, I've learned a lot since I started Hey Emily!. Much of it has been trial and error, and there's also been a bit of catch-up here and there as I find out after the fact about something I should have done proactively. But I am blessed to know many knowledgeable people who are willing to advise me on different aspects of business ownership - if I just ask! - and support my small business in different ways.
Let me blow your mind with a few current stats. According to a recent Forbes article, small businesses in the U.S. employ a total of 61.6 million people or 45.9% of the U.S. workforce. This is especially impressive given that just over 80% of small businesses in the U.S. are run by a single individual with no employees, and 16% employ 19 or fewer employees. In short, 99.9% of all U.S. businesses qualify as small businesses.
In honor of National Small Business Month, I'm sharing 3 ways you can support small businesses, whether in your area (the best!) or elsewhere.
1. Shop and Do Business Locally | Small businesses need customers no matter where they're located, of course, but by shopping at or doing business with local small businesses. you're supporting your immediate community and economy. Supporting local business leads to more jobs, more money for local schools and roads, and even improved property values.
2. Be Social | In this digital age, a mention or share on social media can go a long way for a small business. Follow your favorite shops, small vendors and service providers on whatever social media platforms you prefer, share their posts, and leave positive reviews. Not only will you increase their visibility and help them get the word out about what they offer, but your endorsement can influence others to give them a shot.
3. Offer Your Services | Small businesses often do a lot with a small team - 80% with a team of one - and a small budget. Consider offering your skills, knowledge or services to a small business pro bono, whether in your local area (again, the best!) or just in your area of expertise. Your contribution could make a significant impact on the success of a small business.
Don't forget that the job market in the U.S. is still recovering from Covid-19. If you read the Forbes article I referenced above, you'll see that 9.6 million jobs were lost between May 2020 and September 2022 - so the 87,000 job increase predicted for 2024 is just another step in the right direction. Your support of small local businesses can help make it happen!
p.s. If you own a business, chances are it's a small one, so you might be interested in this U.S. Chamber of Commerce article offering 11 Things to do During Small Business Month to Grow Your Company. Let me know if you try any!
Pssst! If you like my blog, you'll love my newsletter. Just scroll down a bit to sign up!