eat local - WKTV Journal

Support local businesses by shopping small on Small Business Saturday (Courtesy, SBA)

By SBA, Geri Sanchez Aglipay and Laketa Henderson

Michigan’s 14th annual Small Business Saturday is just around the corner (Courtesy, SBA)

Make big moves in Michigan! Shop and dine small at local independent businesses for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25 and through the holiday season.

Saturdays are often set aside for errands such as haircuts, gift shops, or to pick up supplies for a DIY home project. Making fun memories with family and friends at corner coffee shops or local restaurants, grocery stocking at the neighborhood grocer or a Michigan farmer’s market, and self-care fitness time are also popular Saturday activities.

More often than not, consumers go to small independent retailers that provide these goods and services.

The value of small businesses

Nov. 25 is the 14^th annual Small Business Saturday. Droves of American consumers will shop small or dine small in support of small businesses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is proud to be a co-sponsor of Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express in 2010.

Small businesses are economic engines, creating two-thirds of net new jobs. In Michigan, 537,058 small businesses employ 1.2 million people. Small Business Saturday advances equity by leveling the field so that small businesses capture a larger piece of the holiday season consumer spending.

“The United States has experienced a historic small business boom being led by women and people of color at a rate 65% faster than the pre-pandemic average,” says SBA Great Lakes Regional Administrator Geri Aglipay. “By shopping small, we help create and preserve jobs which expands opportunities for inclusive prosperity and generational wealth building in communities.”

Shopping small online is also encouraged. E-commerce is a priority of SBA Administrator Guzman because it helps make small businesses competitive across global markets.

A catalyst for growth

The SBA Great Lakes Regional Office and the SBA Michigan District Office are thrilled to promote Small Business Saturday!

Independent businesses are a catalyst for community growth (Courtesy, SBA)

“Everybody should know that independent stores and dining venues are pillars of our communities,” said Laketa Henderson, SBA Michigan District Director. “Small Business Saturday is a day to show appreciation for the unique character of these businesses across the diverse communities in Michigan, from Motor City and Grand Rapids to the UP. They’re a catalyst for neighborhood growth.”

Wyoming local businesses can be found here: Wyoming Business Directory.

Kentwood local businesses are listed here: Shop Kentwood.

For more information, visit sba.gov/MI.

Kent County Health Department encourages residents to support local restaurants across Kent County through Nov. 11. (Courtesy, MSBDC)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Supporting local restaurants benefits the entire community (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) is encouraging residents participating in Restaurant Week GR, taking place from Nov. 3-11, to broaden their dining experiences and support restaurants across Kent County.

To assist residents in finding and selecting a restaurant, an interactive map was created featuring local restaurants across Kent County.

“Restaurants hold a unique place in our community,” said KCHD Director Dr. Adam London. “They are often where memories are made, and life’s milestones are celebrated. Supporting these establishments not only preserve our local flavors but also strengthen the bonds that hold our community together.”

Community support and benefits

Though the restaurant industry has rebounded, the workforce remains low (Courtesy photo)

Spending at local restaurants benefits the community by supporting jobs and businesses. Whether dining in, ordering take-out, or buying gift cards, consumers contribute to local employment and business growth.

In the United States, the restaurant industry has rebounded to employ a record 12.37 million people as of September 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. However, Michigan’s restaurant workforce remains about 6% below its peak, underscoring the importance of supporting local restaurants.

The Health Department works with a diverse range of food establishments, spanning from restaurants to mobile food trucks to healthcare facilities, as part of their annual licensing renewal and inspection process. Consequently, they are uniquely positioned to comprehend the challenges that restaurants have faced over the years.

Interactive maps make exploring easy

Clickable icons provide establishment details (Courtesy photo)

“We created an interactive map to encourage residents to explore our local eateries during restaurant week and beyond,” said Environmental Health Division Director Sara Simmonds. “Whether it’s an old favorite, someplace you have heard about and haven’t tried yet, or an out-of-the-way spot with a unique menu, they all help make up the fabric of Kent County.”

The map can be found on the KCHD social media site and website, and allows residents to search within a specified distance of their location. Each restaurant has a clickable icon and provides residents more details about the establishment.

Residents are also encouraged to follow our social media to learn how our team partners with local restaurants.