Don, the hardware store owner, in Concrete, Washington. Photo by Becky McCray.
We walk and drive by small businesses every day. We go in their doors, make purchases and continue on our way without another thought.
We depend on small businesses. They fill our need for products and services, and we expect them to be open on a regular basis to meet our needs (and sometimes we even call them during their off-hours).
If you live in rural communities, they are the core of Main Street and the general business community. Besides Main Street, you will find them scattered throughout the town and county. Some are in plain sight while other small-business owners operate out of homes, garages and sometimes even out of vehicles.
They contribute in terms of dollars but probably offer even greater contributions in terms of resources and time. Many of our elected officials and volunteers come from their ranks.
Finally, they contribute more than 50 percent of revenues and employ more than 90 percent of the workforce.
The small business and its owner are the mainstay of our local, and in fact our national, economic system.
June 17- 21 is recognized by the U. S. Small Business Administration as “National Small Business Week”. Small businesses are formally recognized at local, state and national events.
This week is our opportunity to thank those businesses for what they mean to us and our quality of life. If you think about it, practically any business you name began as a small business, which is one reason we have this fascination with them as a group.
Here are other reasons why small businesses fascinate us:
- We think and say, “We could do that.” It is our dream.
- They are the underdog in the land of big business.
- Small businesses represent middle class.
- They remind us of the connection and interdependence between family and business.
Take some time this week and stop at your local small businesses and thank them for what they’ve done for you and the community. But more importantly, support them throughout the year. Many have been there for a long time and will be there for many more years to come.
Glenn Muske is the Rural and Agribusiness Enterprise Development Specialist at the North Dakota State University Extension Service – Center for Community Vitality. Follow Glenn on Twitter: @gmuske
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Glenn Muske is an independent expert on rural small business, working as GM Consulting – Your partner in achieving small business success. He provides consulting, and writes articles for county extension agents and newspapers across North Dakota. Previously, he was the Rural and Agribusiness Enterprise Development Specialist at the North Dakota State University Extension Service – Center for Community Vitality.
I have been trying to make a point of using more small businesses and local business lately especially for things such as buying gifts and food etc , there are so many great small businesses out there you are always sure to get something wonderful and different and support other small business owners at the same time!
Thanks for your efforts. When you are in the stores, let them know you appreciate their work. We all like to hear positive comments.
Smaller businesses are just plain easier to work with. The people seem like they care more and they take your problems personally. I didn’t realize that they account for 90% of the workforce. I always thought that the main big companies are the ones the employ the people. This is great news! thanks for the read. Every time I go to buy something I will think small!
Thanks for those comments Nancy. Your comment about caring is the one huge advantage that small business owners have. They are a substantial part of the economy. The majority of new jobs come from small businesses, most often those employing 20 or less according to the Dept of Commerce.
I am personally in favor for small businesses instead of big corporations. The reason? Small business owners are more passionate than big business owners. They are also more caring towards their employees. And as a whole, they contribute more to the country than any big corporation can.