Local businesses gear up for Small Business Saturday | Main stories

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – From Black Friday to Small Business Saturday to Cyber ​​Monday, the weekend after Thanksgiving tends to mark the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.

But before you order from Amazon or hit ship now, small businesses encourage you to consider your local store instead.

“Come and support the local community for many reasons, especially the economic side,” said Monica Zanetti, owner of Wild Rose Artisan Boutique. “It really gets us going and we’ve been hustling all year.”

According to the US Small Business Administration, dollars spent locally are 7 to 10 times more reinvested in the community than if they were spent online or in a big box store. The SBA says most communities see only a 1% return on purchases from large online retailers.

“Two out of three new jobs are created by small businesses, and more than 99% of businesses in the U.S. are small businesses,” said Jerry Aglipay, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Five Great Lakes Region. “The value of small business has a huge impact on our communities.”

Aglipay says nonprofits rely on donations from small businesses, and local sports teams need their sponsorship support to stay functional. If you make small purchases, these businesses may continue this support.

Springfield Inc.’s Downtown Holiday Walk kicks off this Saturday for small businesses. They take place from November 25 to December 23. They take place on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Local businesses are working together to promote the event and encourage shoppers to get out and cross items off their Christmas lists.

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