National Small Business Week: Celebrating the local small business

National Small Business Week: Celebrating the local small  business Main Photo

2 May 2022


News

For over 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has organized and hosted National Small Business Week (NSBW) during the first week of May. With over 32.5 million small businesses employing 61.2 million employees across the country in 2021, Forward Devils Lake  Development Corporation recognizes the importance of small businesses and their contributions to the economic well-being of the community.

The hard-working and innovative small business owners of Forward Devils Lake contribute to the vibrancy and character of our community while employing many of our local residents. It is these locally owned businesses that help to define our community and shape its entrepreneurial spirit. NSB Week is an opportunity to celebrate their success and offer our appreciation.

Small businesses make communities like Forward Devils Lake an enjoyable place to visit and live in. Having a smaller organization makes it easier for local businesses to adapt to economic changes — by adjusting staff, changing product offerings, or tweaking their business model. Small businesses also have more direct access to their customers and a more intimate understanding of their needs

Show your support for small businesses 

Instead of shopping at a major store, you could visit a local boutique or gift shop to buy gifts for your friends and family. Consider dining at a local cafe or restaurant instead of heading to a chain restaurant. Here are a few more ways that you can show your appreciation for your local small business:

  • Shop local. Before buying an item from a large retailer or corporation, search your community to determine if a local retailer offers the same product or service. Show your support for your local community by purchasing from local businesses. Most companies have an option to order online and pick it up at the store for even more convenience when shopping local.
  • Be social. Support small businesses in your community by talking about them on social media, writing positive reviews, posting positive photos, and tagging the business in your posts. Promoting these businesses through social channels works as good “word of mouth” communication and helps to enhance their digital presence.
  • Participate in community events. Farmers’ markets, networking events, community celebrations, and national holiday celebrations are great opportunities to support locally-owned small businesses, meet your community and learn what local businesses offer. These will go a long way in strengthening your local business community.
  • Offer assistance. Be generous with any help you can provide to a small business. If you have technical or skilled expertise, you could think of offering your services to small businesses in your community at a discounted rate. Offer recommendations and make use of your network if you see a local business struggling to recoup, especially after the pandemic.

Forward Devils Lake Development Corporation: A good resource for small businesses 

Forward Devils Lake  Development Corporation recognizes that small business owners need resources and support to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. The Forward Devils Lake Economic Development office works with business owners to help them navigate the various financial incentives offered locally and through the State of ND. It partners with the North Central Planning Council staff and the local ND Small Business Development Center (ND SBDC) to provide specific business plan development and delivery. 

Some of the services the local Small Business Development Center provides in a confidential, no-cost counseling process are:

  • Business plan development
  • Preparing Financial projections
  • Analysis and budgets
  • Assistance with loan requests
  • Business purchases and sales.

Are you a small business owner, or looking to start one at Forward Devils Lake? Give us a call at (701) 662-4933 or (701) 230-3078. 

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