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BY JIM BROWN

Small business owners are critical to the success of Tennessee’s economy, which makes supporting them essential. 

Big corporations get a great deal of attention, but small businesses make up 99.5 percent of all businesses in our state. They aren’t owned by moguls on Wall Street but by your friends, neighbors and families.  

Plain and simple, you count on small businesses, and they count heavily on you. That’s why it’s vital to shop local on Small Business Saturday, which falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 30). It’s a chance to support the people who sponsor your kids’ sports team and give generously to local charities. 

Chain stores and websites tend to look alike, but independent businesses are unique. They reflect the owners’ personalities and their communities. You’ll find things on Main Street that you can’t find anyplace else. Some local businesses also do business online. 

And then there’s the food. Chain restaurants are basically the same everywhere. Local restaurants, though, are often the heart of your community. They’re places where you and your neighbors meet, connect and share stories. They deliver local flavor and provide friendly, welcoming spaces. 

Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as a way to help local businesses bounce back from the Great Recession. Since then, it’s become as much a part of the season as Black Friday. Last year, people spent about $17 billion at independent shops and eateries on Small Business Saturday. I hope you and your friends can help build on that momentum this season. 

Many small businesses, unfortunately, are in a tough spot. Inflation continues to erode profits, and costs for everything – from raw materials to basic supplies – keep going up. On top of that, there’s uncertainty about whether Congress will extend the 20 percent small business tax deduction that’s set to expire next year. And in much of East Tennessee, many businesses are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. 

Some of these Main Street shops might not make it without your patronage. And that’s a loss none of us can afford. When you shop locally, 67 cents of every dollar stays in your community. That’s money that supports local jobs, funds schools, and strengthens your local economy. 

So, this Thanksgiving weekend, take a moment to think about what makes your community special. Then, go out and support the small businesses that make it that way. Because when you support small businesses, you make your community and Tennessee stronger. 

(Jim Brown is the Tennessee director of the National Federation of Independent Business.)