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On Tuesday, Gov. Kay Ivey pronounced that Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 would be “Small Business Saturday” in Alabama.
“The Saturday after Thanksgiving is a time when many of us gather with family and friends, often to enjoy one of Alabama’s great traditions, the Iron Bowl,” the governor said in her announcement. “As you prepare for the holiday season – and perhaps for the big game – I encourage everyone to take a moment to visit local small businesses. It’s a great way to celebrate the season, support your community and make this weekend a win for our great state.”
“Every purchase matters. Shopping local supports Alabama’s hardworking families, sustains jobs and fuels the workforce that keeps our communities growing. We want to keep our local businesses thriving here at home and on the world stage,” Ivey added.
“Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and thank you for supporting Alabama’s small businesses and employees – both on Small Business Saturday and year-round,” said Thomas Todt, Alabama District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration.“In a world where shopping once felt personal, many small businesses still cherish that connection with customers. Please continue to keep small in your shopping plans.”
As detailed in a press release from the governor’s office, small businesses are vital to Alabama’s economy. There are nearly 450,000 small businesses in the state, making up 99.4 percent of all Alabama businesses. Small businesses also employ nearly half of Alabama’s workforce.
The press release goes on to note that Alabama’s small businesses created 41,091 new jobs in 2022 — nearly 80 percent of the state’s total net job growth. The state’s small businesses also export $4.4 billion worth of goods internationally, making up around 17.7 percent of Alabama’s total exports.
“On behalf of our small business members, I want to thank Governor Ivey for declaring November 30 as Small Business Saturday in Alabama and recognizing the vital role local businesses play in our state’s economy,” said Rosemary Elebash, Alabama’s state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses. “Every dollar spent at a local business helps create jobs, boost the economy and build stronger communities. It’s estimated that 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the community, generating an additional 50 cents in local business activity as businesses and workers shop locally.”
Nationally, small businesses have been facing historic challenges this year according to NFIB data. “Alabama isn’t immune from the national trends. Inflation and a lack of qualified workers are putting a strain on Main Street businesses. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that Alabama’s unemployment rate for September was 2.9 percent, which was lower than the national average. The state’s civilian workforce reached a record high of 2.3 million, with over 24,000 people joining the workforce,” Elebash noted earlier this month following the release of the NFIB’s October report.
