Viewpoints - Delaware Business Times

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VIEWPOINT: Make ‘shopping small’ part of your holiday

Jacob Owens November 24, 2021

This year, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Small Business Saturday’s recognition by the U.S. Senate. The SBA co-sponsored “shop small” observance was launched by American Express to support small businesses as our economy emerged ...

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VIEWPOINT: Delaware’s workforce development plan needs more work

Jacob Owens November 22, 2021

Of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) signed by President Joe Biden on March 11, Delaware received $925 million to invest in one-time projects. One of the three largest projects in Delaware is ...

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VIEWPOINT: Now is the time for strong action on climate change

Jacob Owens November 19, 2021

This month, countries across the world are coming together in Scotland for the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, to discuss how the world will address our climate crisis. I have ...

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Viewpoint: EV transition requires a competitive market, investment

Jacob Owens November 19, 2021

The reconciliation package offers Democrats in Congress a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet the country’s emission reduction goals. One of the many initiatives that may be included in this legislation is a plan to further invest ...

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Viewpoint: For Delawareans, health literacy is more important than ever

Guest Writer November 18, 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted millions across the country, and Delaware has not been spared. Many consumers across the state are struggling to afford health care, compounded by the fact that it is difficult ...

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This year, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Small Business Saturday’s recognition by the U.S. Senate. The SBA co-sponsored “shop small” observance was launched by American Express to support small businesses as our economy emerged from the Great Recession. Over the course of the following years, Americans embraced the day to support the small businesses that have been such strong supports to our communities. [caption id="attachment_199005" align="alignright" width="240"]

John Fleming | PHOTO COURTESY OF SBA[/caption] Even as our nation contends with the COVID-19 pandemic, America’s support for small business is unwavering. In 2020, American shoppers spent $19.8 billion on Small Business Saturday. This year, forecasters are predicting an even bigger holiday shopping season. That’s great news for small businesses nationwide and here, in Delaware. Many of our small businesses continue their recovery efforts, defying COVID-driven headwinds just to keep their doors open. For those small businesses, upcoming Small Business Saturday efforts can be a lifeline. This Small Business Saturday – Nov. 27 – let’s help to stem the tide for those Main Street mom-and-pops working tirelessly to turn the page on this pandemic. Let’s shop small. Let’s make this holiday season count for small business. Holiday shopping may have started early this year, but as the holidays move into full-swing, I urge you to make small business part of your holiday shopping strategy. The new ‘Shop Small Map’ at https://www.sba.gov – Small Business Saturday (sba.gov) – makes it easier than ever to find participating small businesses in your area. And, this year, the choice is yours:

in-person shopping takes advantage of local in-person shopping and dining experiences – all while avoiding potential long distance shipping issues; and
curbside pick-up, local delivery, online shopping with hometown retailers makes ‘shopping small’ a breeze.

And, of course, supporting small businesses doesn’t have to cost a dime: remind neighbors to shop and dine small, invite friends and family to experience your favorite small businesses for themselves, and share your “shop small” stories and where you’re shopping on social media using #ShopSmall. Whatever method you choose, supporting our Main Street mom-and-pops just makes sense. We know that small businesses have accounted for 65.1% of net new job creation since 2000. And we know that, on average, 67 cents out of every dollar spent at a U.S. small business goes back into the local economy. When our small business community succeeds, we all succeed. John Fleming serves as the SBA Delaware district director.