by Mallory Taylor

Local, small, mom-and-pop, independent — call them what you want, but our local small businesses are the heartbeat of our nation. The United States is home to over 28 million small businesses many of which are self-employed. Small Business Saturday is a day to support these hardworking entrepreneurs who each do their part in making our country such an amazing place to live, work and play.

You may be wondering what all of hype is about and why you should participate in Small Business Saturday (especially if you already shop locally).

The simple answer is because they need us and we need them.

These businesses stay open late when we need to pick up that last-minute gift, they help us put a warm homemade meal on the table after a busy day and they sponsor community sports programs, fundraisers and benefits — but do we support them as much as they support us?

The holiday season can be a make-it or break-it time of year for our local businesses.

They are relying on us to help their year end with a bang. It’s the least we can do to support them the way they support us, our families and our community.

When you are deciding between shopping on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday remember when you shop small you’re helping to pay for ballet classes and Pop Warner football jerseys, you’re putting food on the table for another local family but most importantly you are saying you support and believe in the success of their business.

I invite you to come shop small on Saturday, Nov. 28, and support those who have and continue to support us, our families and our community.

MALLORY TAYLOR is the Marketing and Research assistant for the Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. Contact her at 562-1958 or mtaylor@franklinsouthamptonva.com.