The SBA, East Bay Chamber, Bristol Merchants Association & Congressional Delegation Celebrate “Small Business Saturday” with a Walking Tour of Small Businesses in Downtown Bristol

Bristol, RI –The U.S. Small Business Administration, along with the East Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Bristol Merchants Association held a walking-tour of downtown Bristol to spread awareness for “Small Business Saturday”.  Joined by U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman James Langevin and Congressman David Cicilline, the group visited multiple small businesses to show their support for “Shopping Small.”

The “Small Business Saturday” initiative was created to spotlight the impact and importance that small business has on the local community and economy during the economic recession in 2010.

“98.9% of Rhode Island businesses are small,” said SBA District Director, Mark S. Hayward. “That is approximately 100,000 small businesses that employ over 50% of Rhode Island’s workforce.  These businesses employ our friends, family and neighbors and by shopping small you are showing your support for them and your community” he added.

The tour began with a press conference at the Judge Roy Bean Saloon, owned by Zachary Rivers, who helped fund the saloon with an SBA backed loan. The tour would set off to Harbor Bath & Body, Empire Coffee & Tea, New Leaf Hair Studio, Paper Packaging & Panache, Gorman’s Clocks, Caron’s Jewelers, before concluding the Bristol House of Pizza.

“Small businesses provide a big boost to our economy.  Small Business Saturday has become a great tradition for shops and stores to work together and remind customers about the benefits of shopping locally,” said Senator Jack Reed.  “When you shop local, you’re investing in the community, and that’s a great bargain for everyone.”

“Small Business Saturday” highlights brick and mortar small businesses in a growing market of big box stores and online sales. Since 2010, “Small Business Saturday” has grown in both participation and scope as all 50 states now celebrate the day. In 2011, the U.S. Senate unanimously
passed a resolution officially supporting “Small Business Saturday” and encouraging people to “Shop Small”.

“There are small, but meaningful ways for all of us to support small businesses and Rhode Island’s economy during the holidays. Shopping locally supports jobs and keeps revenue within the community, which benefits everyone,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “Your friends and family will also appreciate receiving personalized gifts from places they know and love.”

It is estimated, via a survey commissioned by American Express, that since “Small Business Saturday’s” inception, $85 billion in revenue has been generated for small business.

“Small businesses form the foundations of our communities and contribute to our state’s economic success,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “I encourage all Rhode Islanders to join me in supporting our friends and neighbors by shopping small and dining small on ‘Small Business Saturday’ and throughout the holiday season.”

As “Small Business Saturday” enters its eighth year, both awareness and impact have grown substantially, with 90% of consumers agreeing that the day has a positive impact on their community (via pre-2017 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express and the National Federation of Independent Businesses.)

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Cicilline. “I’m proud to support Small Business Saturday, but it is equally important that Rhode Islanders recognize the significance of supporting our local shops and restaurants throughout the holiday season and year round.”

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Avatar About the Author: The Rhode Island Small Business Journal is a printed monthly magazine and an online resource for the aspiring and start-up entrepreneur and small business owner.

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