Celebrate National Small Business Week May 1st-7th
May 1-7, 2022 is officially National Small Business Week and Campbell County Economic Development would like to invite you to celebrate. According to the US Small Business Administration (SBA), this week “celebrates the resiliency and tenacity of America’s entrepreneurs who are doing their part to power our nation’s historic economic comeback.”
Small businesses tend to hire locally and they also spend money at other local businesses. When you buy local, you help create jobs for friends and neighbors and contribute to improved public infrastructure. According to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, around 50 cents of every dollar spent at a locally-owned small business is directly reinvested into the local economy through wages, goods and services, profits, and donations.
When an area has a thriving small business community, it adds to the diversity of products and services available to local consumers. Local businesses pick the items and products they sell based on what they know you like and want. Local small business owners are more likely to take into consideration how business and investment decisions will impact the entire community. Local small businesses also strengthen supply-chain resilience, the value of which cannot be overstated.
There are many ways to you can put social media to work spreading the news about great experiences with local Campbell County businesses. It is free and easy to share your experiences with friends and peers through social media. Having lunch at a local eatery? Why not “check in” on Facebook? Take the time to write a positive online review of your local service provider. Many new potential customers and clients read reviews before making a decision on professional services. “Like” a local business’ Facebook page. Consider buying a local businesses’ branded merchandise for a little extra support. Post a picture of yourself in their branded items and tag the company. Increasing online interactions results in a higher profile for a small business that may be relying on social media and word-of-mouth for the majority of their marketing.
You can also buy products from our local agribusiness community at one of Campbell County’s Farmers Markets. Brookneal holds their Farmers Market on the second Saturday of the month and you can also find local products at the Altavista Trade Lot on the first Saturday of the month. Several farms in the area offer Community Supported Agriculture programs that make regular subscription-based deliveries. Farm tours also provide an opportunity to eat local or buy their other locally-produced goods.
Another way to engage with peers in the business community is through Campbell Connects, the small business engagement program through Campbell County Economic Development. Campbell Connects meets quarterly across the County and provides businesses the opportunity to network with one another and also learn about community resources that support small business. The next quarterly meeting will be held June 9th in Brookneal. You can also refer someone to the Business Directory on the Economic Development website.
Campbell County Economic Development recognizes the importance of small business to the overall economic stability and growth for the County and encourages everyone not only to participate in recognizing National Small Business Week May 1-7, but also to make a habit to do so throughout the year.