National Small Business Week: Supporting Your Local Community
May 13, 2019
When was the last time you can remember going out of your way to purchase something from a locally owned shop, as opposed to mega-corporations such as Walmart, Target, etc.? If you’re struggling to find an answer it may be time for you to go out into your local community and visit some of these local shops! May 5th – 11th has been declared as National Small Business Week, a week that gives recognition and celebration to small business and their provisional growth in the economy. With this year being one of the best unemployment numbers in the past 50 years there is a clear reason to be celebrating!
What Defines a Small Business
While there is no determination as to how small a company should be to be celebrated as a small business, there is a defined size to be considered a “small” business. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), an official small business would consist of a maximum of either 250 employees or 1,500 employees depending on the industry you are in. Broken down, some industry specifications include:
Transportation: Small businesses in the transportation and warehousing industry consists of a maximum of 500 to 1,500 employees.
Retail: small business in the retail industry consists of a maximum of 100 to 500 employees.
IT: Small businesses in the IT industry consist of 500 to 1,500 employees.
The Importance of Small Businesses
While you may not be able to take advantage of all of the small businesses personally, many individuals in the community rely on these small businesses for a multitude of reasons. Small businesses provide additional jobs in the workforce, which attributes to America’s largest decline in unemployment in years thanks to small businesses making up two out of every three new jobs. Local and small businesses are also the first to provide support and assistance to local organizations. They also give back to the community through donations and hosting public events. Small businesses provide intimate service to their customers building lasting relationships and offering care that is absent from most major businesses. Lastly, small businesses provided insight into new products or services too risky for larger corporations to bet on allowing new industries to form.
Celebrating Diversity
One of the most celebrated facts of small business ownership is the number of businesses owned by individuals of varying backgrounds. It’s amazing to see individuals in all walks of life, currently and before opening a business, establishing a place for themselves among the multitude of businesses already found in the United States. Some important facts to know about small businesses include:
- Women own approximately 10 million small businesses.
- Minorities own approximately 29% of small businesses.
- Veterans own an estimated 10% of small businesses.
This is an important factor in the overall state of the economy, as minority based unemployment has dropped to an all-time low allowing for the creation and promotion of their businesses.
Diversity also plays an important role in the promotion of diverse cultures and providing insight into areas where these experiences may have never been available. This diverse culture also allows for insight into fixing issues that would normally be overlooked or ignored, by presenting solutions or offering services that would otherwise never been offered.
Businesses in DownTown Toms River
We are privileged to live in an area with such a thriving community of small and local businesses. These range from customer-facing retail stores to food services, and are all community driven and focused! Some of these include:
Gorgeous Girlz Boutique
From Handbags to Jewelry, Gorgeous Girlz offers an array of fashion accessories for every woman, specializing in “curvy fashion.” Ebony Mattox (creator and owner) holds live social events on the companies Facebook every Thursday at 7 pm. Where she discusses all things fashion and interacts with her fans from all over the globe!
For More information, find Ebony in The Shops @ 53 Main in Downtown Toms River or visit I Am Gorgeous Girlz
Bagel Bistro
Bagel Bistro has been serving food in Downtown Toms River for a while. With an extensive lunch menu and wonderful breakfast options, this has become a hub for anyone looking for a good meal! Stop in and be met with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
For more information, find Bagel Bistro at 65 Main Street in Downtown Toms River or visit their Facebook.
Van Go Pottery Painting
Van Go Pottery and painting is located in the shops @ 53 main, and offers a pottery experience like no other! With hand-poured ceramics, a wide variety of designs to choose from, and a warm welcoming atmosphere you will feel right at home!
For more information, find Van Go Pottery in the Shops @ 53 Main in Downtown Toms River or visit their facebook.
Bubby’s Beanery
Bubby’s Beanery is one of the most recent additions of the Downtown Toms River family and has been making strides in its short time of being here. With an added music element by the addition of Records, CDs, and Tapes. The coffee in itself is a treat as well, with the offerings of organic and fair trade coffees you will always be in for a wonderful time!
For more information, find Bubby’s Beanery at 44 Washington Street in Downtown Toms River or visit their Facebook.
