By Sandra Guile
Better Business Bureau
It’s no secret that small businesses are what drive the success of a community, and Small Business Saturday is one of the best ways for the community to give back and show their support. It’s no different in Lebanon, which has its own share of small business success stories.
As such, Better Business Bureau, Main Street Lebanon, the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, want to take a moment and acknowledge the work that’s going on behind the scenes in one of the region’s thriving towns.
On Nov. 16, these organizations will take the opportunity to celebrate the city’s entrepreneurs, roll out important small business resources and draw attention to the importance of Small Business Saturday – and they’re inviting the community to take part.
The “Makers, Minds and Money” event will highlight the benefits small businesses bring to the local community and provide a resource network for up-and-coming and potential entrepreneurs alike.
A resource fair will be available to interested individuals who wish to learn more about measures they can take to start and grow a business, and afterward, a walking tour of some of Lebanon’s small businesses is open to participants who want to get to know some of the owners responsible for fostering a thriving marketplace.
The resource fair will start at 11 a.m. at the Lebanon Public Library at 101 S. Broadway St. and lasts until 2 p.m. Participating businesses on the walking tour include Lamp Post Cheese, an artisanal cheese shop that uses locally-sourced ingredients to craft tasty, traditional treats; Blume, a unique store that sells interesting, original decorations for the home; Picture This, a full-service frame shop and art gallery that provides quality custom work; and Glad Rags Boutique, a clothing store that markets specialty merchandise. Each business will be featured during the tour, beginning at 2 p.m.
All of this is done in an effort to drum up additional interest in Small Business Saturday, which will be celebrated Nov. 24 this year.
According to the Small Business Administration, this initiative furthers the economy of communities who engage in it, creating jobs and providing important services.
Last year, more than 108 million Americans participated in Small Business Saturday by shopping or dining in small businesses, generating approximately $12 billion in overall revenue.
This year, utilize these two important events to show small businesses how much they’re appreciated. Learn more about Lebanon’s accomplishments at the “Makers, Minds and Money” event on Nov. 16, and don’t forget to #ShopSmall on Nov. 24.