shop 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.

Veteran-owned small businesses make many positive contributions to local communities and economies.

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Governor Whitmer honors veterans with Veterans Small Business Week in Michigan (Courtesy, Supplied)

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has recognized Oct. 31 – Nov. 3 as Veterans Small Business Week in Michigan. This event is to celebrate the positive contributions made by veteran-owned small businesses to our local communities and economies across Michigan.

“During Veterans Small Business Week, let’s support Michigan’s strong, local veteran-owned small businesses and celebrate the huge impact they have on our economy,” said Gov. Whitmer.

“Michigan’s entrepreneurs and small business owners move our state forward,” Whitmer continued. “Many are owned and operated by Michiganders who served our nation in uniform and continue to make a difference in their community. This week and every week, let’s support our veteran-owned small businesses.”

Reducing barriers for veterans

Gov. Whitmer has signed legislation to reduce barriers to professional licensure. This created an expedited path for veterans and their families to practice their licensed profession in Michigan, easing the pathway to reciprocal licenses through expedited processing and waiving initial license and application fees.

Veteran Marion Gray holds a folded American flag (U.S. Dept. Veterans Affairs)

Veterans who are interested in registering a business in Michigan may also qualify for a waiver of fees for profit corporations, limited liability companies and nonprofit corporations. Learn more here: Veterans Fee Waiver.

“LARA is proud to show appreciation for members of the armed forces and their families by offering initial license/registration and application fee waivers,” said Marlon I. Brown, acting director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. “Our department offers several licensing supports for those currently serving and for those service members transitioning from active duty. LARA also counts military training and experiences toward fulfilling the requirements for certain licenses.”

Michigan as a “Startup State” for veterans

West Michigan’s veteran-care facility flies a 30- by 50-foot flag just off Monroe Avenue NE across from Grand Rapids’ Riverside Park. (Courtesy, WKTV/K.D. Norris)

Brian L. Love, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA), said small businesses are the backbone of the Michigan economy and a key part of the state’s “Make it in Michigan” economic development strategy.

“We want Michigan to be the ‘startup state’ by being the best place for veterans to start their own businesses,” Love said. “When veterans return home, they bring with them a unique skillset that is invaluable in the entrepreneurial space.

“The MVAA is here to support veterans as they return home and enter the civilian workforce or start their own small business. We know having meaningful employment saves lives and we are glad small business owners go beyond thanking our vets for their service and recognize their service by hiring them and promoting them.”

Resources for veterans

For more information on professional and entrepreneurial development for veteran-owned businesses, small business training and counseling, networking opportunities and mentoring programs, visit Veterans Entrepreneurship, the U.S. Office of Veterans Business Development or Michigan SBDC.

The MVAA helps connect veterans with federal, state and local benefits and resources they earned for their service. To learn more, veterans can contact the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET or visit www.michigan.gov/MVAA.