The heartbeat of our local community can be found within small businesses. The hard work, perseverance and determination each business owner must execute for a business to be successful is inspiring, yet quite difficult. These owners pour their heart, soul and sweat equity into running their businesses every day. The holiday season approaching allows us to place special attention on these small businesses, but it is something that should be front of mind all year long.

From an economic standpoint, we feel the direct effects of small businesses each day. Believe it or not, of the 5.6 million employer firms in the United States, small businesses (fewer than 500 employees) account for 99.7 percent of all privately owned businesses.

What’s even more impressive, according to the Small Business Association, small businesses create about two out of three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

Smaller firms help diversify business culture and provide additional opportunities for hiring local talent. Small businesses have great success in fostering unique environments for creativity and ingenuity.

The holiday season is quickly approaching and you will see a concerted effort to promote Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24. The “Shop Small” initiative will be emphasized locally and across the country leading up to Thanksgiving and throughout Christmas  We do hope you will make time to check as many items off of your Christmas list locally as you can, but let’s celebrate the outstanding small businesses in our community year-round!

Once the holiday season has passed make sure that you think of purchasing from a local store over a national online retailer as an economic investment. More money spent in the local economy accounts for community programs funded by the tax base, and an overall improved quality of life.

Choose to #shopsmallFS for as much service and retail goods as you possibly can! We love our local business community, and champion their area investment each and every day.

AMANDA JARRATT is the president and CEO of the Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. Contact her at 562-1958 or ajarratt@franklinsouthamptonva.com.