SPOKANE, Wash.—Vibrant communities typically share two attributes: strong civic engagement and a thriving local economy. Small business success is key to both.
That’s why the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is promoting Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29 and urging people to Shop Local this holiday season.
“Shopping local is absolutely critical if we want to build and sustain our local economies,” said Duane Fladland, state director of the Washington SBDC. “When you spend your money locally, the ripple effects can be tremendous.”
According to data from the American Independent Business Alliance, for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, about $68 stays in the community. When $100 is spent at a large retail chain, only about $48 stays in the community.
The Washington SBDC is a publicly funded network of more than 35 business advisors who work one-on-one with small business owners and entrepreneurs across the state to help them start, grow or buy/sell a business. Washington State University has been the statewide host of the Washington SBDC since 1980.
In 2021, SBDC business advisors provided technical assistance to more than 3,461 entrepreneurs and small business owners, helping increase sales by $120 million, create or save more than 2,855 jobs and access more than $107 million in financing to sustain or expand their businesses. SBDC advisors also helped entrepreneurs start 161 new businesses in 2021. In addition, the Washington SBDC delivered more than 316 training events on diverse topics that attracted more than 10,400 attendees.
To find a list of participating businesses in your area, click here and use the map feature.
SBDC technical assistance is provided at no cost and advisors in the Washington SBDC network have experience in every industry sector and at every stage of business development. The Washington SBDC is hosted by Washington State University and receives major support from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Washington SBDCs also receive support from local community colleges, economic development groups, municipal governments and civic or business groups.
MEDIA NOTE: If you are looking for a small business owner to profile in advance of Small Business Saturday, your local SBDC business advisor is a great resource for finding people who are contributing to their communities in truly remarkable ways. You can find the advisor in your area at www.wsbdc.org or call 833-492-7232.
Contact
Hope Belli Tinney, [email protected], 509-432-8254
Duane Fladland, [email protected], 509-358-7763
