With the pandemic presumably behind us, Habersham County is seeing new and existing small business growth. Our local entrepreneurs add so much to the fabric of our economic tapestry. They help give our community its character and charm.
There are 33.2 million small businesses in the U.S., which roughly make up around 99.9 percent of all the businesses in the country.
These businesses – not the big-time conglomerates – are the ones that keep our communities running. They are the ones that are highlighted during Small Business Week.
In 1963, after the proclamation from President John F. Kennedy, the first National Small Business Week was celebrated to honor the top entrepreneurs in every state with awards and special recognition.
Since 1963, the U.S. Small Business Administration has worked to assist and counsel small businesses to flourish in the land of opportunity. This has led to an annual increase in the number of small businesses in the country.
According to the 2018 Business Economic Impact Study from American Express, for every $1 spent with a local small business, 67 cents remains in the local economy.
It is also vital to remember that 100 percent of every dollar spent outside Habersham County remains outside the county.
For all the business owners who put in the blood, sweat and tears to survive the pandemic, we salute you and our community owes you their support.
We are seeing growth across the board, in our restaurant and entertainment community, specialty baking and catering, service industries and more, along with increased presence in our Airport Business Park by local and regional industries.
Your local newspaper is a small business, too, and we understand and appreciate what it takes to meet payroll every week. We have been serving this community for the last 132 years. And we greatly appreciate all of our small businesses and everything they do to make our community a better home.