The City of Salem, Virginia, has declared November 25, 2023 as Small Business Saturday to celebrate the contributions of local small businesses to the local economy and community. As the Mayor of the City of Salem, I believe that supporting small businesses is crucial for our community’s growth and success.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses represent 99.7% of firms with paid employees in the United States and are responsible for 62.7% of net new jobs created since 1995. Additionally, every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 48 cents in local business activity due to employees and local businesses purchasing local goods and services.

Small Business Saturday is not only beneficial for local economies but also for consumers. Sixty-eight cents of every dollar spent at a small business in the United States stays in the local community, which helps preserve communities and creates a sense of belonging among residents. Seventy-two percent of consumers reported that Small Business Saturday 2022 made them want to shop and dine at small, independently-owned retailers and restaurants all year long.

The City of Salem supports local businesses that create jobs, boost the local economy, and preserve communities. We urge residents to support these businesses on Small Business Saturday by shopping locally throughout the year. By doing so, we can help these small businesses thrive and contribute even more to our community’s success. In addition to supporting local businesses financially, we can also promote them through social media or by sharing their stories with our friends and family members.

As part of our commitment to supporting small businesses, we encourage other communities across the country to join us in celebrating Small Business Saturday on November 25th this year! Let us work together to ensure that these essential contributions are recognized and celebrated nationwide.

In conclusion, I urge all residents in our community and across America to support their local small businesses on Small Business Saturday by shopping locally throughout the year! IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Salem to be affixed this twenty-fifth day of November in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three