May is Small Business Month here in Charlotte. The U.S. Small Business Administration created small business week, which is usually celebrated the first week in May. Charlotte has expanded that to a month to celebrate small businesses in our community.
According to a 2020 study by the U.S. Small Business Administration (S.B.A.), there are 31.7 million small businesses in the United States, North Carolina being second in the nation for small business growth. There are 934,604 small businesses in North Carolina, equaling 99.6% of all businesses in the state. Small businesses employ 1.7 million people—45.3% of all North Carolina employees.
The focus of this month is to honor the entrepreneurs of Charlotte. They have played a big part in introducing new ideas to our growing community.
Supporting small businesses here in Charlotte creates a positive impact on the economy. Thriving small businesses help bring more jobs and services to our community, and most also support local charities. It’s important we continue to support small businesses here in Charlotte. Here are a few tips on how you can support our local small businesses.
10 tips on How to Support Local Small Businesses
Shop Locally: Find a local retailer, like an independent bookstore, as opposed to buying books from massive e-commerce online store. When you buy local, your dollars stay in the community.
Be Social: Comment, like, subscribe, and share. You can help boost their online presence by sharing and liking their posts.
Actively Discover New Brands: Take a stroll around your neighborhood and check out any new shops.
Gift cards: Buy gift cards for later use, or even to give as a gift. This will encourage others to check out new local businesses.
Leave a positive review: Nine out of 10 people worldwide check reviews before making a purchase. A positive review can help a small business. Word-of-mouth marketing is extremely beneficial to any small business.
Recommend local businesses to friends, family members, and colleagues: Word-of-mouth marketing is extremely beneficial to any small business.
Sign up for newsletters: It’s an excellent free way to show appreciation and support.
Hire small businesses: Instead of running to the grocery store for a cake, purchase one from a small local bakery.
Visit your local farmer’s market: Many small businesses sell products at your local farmers' market. Many of them allow you to pick your own fruits and vegetables too!
Search “support local businesses near me” or “small business near me”: Research other local small businesses that may not have storefronts and see how you can support them!
In addition to those tips, the City of Charlotte is hosting events all month to help celebrate and support our small business entrepreneurs. Another great way to show support is attending local small business events.
City of Charlotte Small Business Events
Wed, May 31, 6:00 PM
Venue At 1801 • Charlotte, NC
Sat, Jun 3, 9:00 AM
Johnson C. Smith University-New Science Building • Charlotte, NC
Queen City will be supporting small businesses all month long. The City of Charlotte will be highlighting different small businesses through-out the entire month of May. Check out their twitter and help show some support. https://twitter.com/cltecon
Dye Culik PC is a business and franchise law firm in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our business attorneys work with you to protect you and your business. If you need help growing your business or have questions about starting a business, connect with us.
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