By Karl Heck
Your Turn

Small Business Saturday is coming once again on Saturday, Nov. 30.  Founded by American Express in 2010 and co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011, this annual event celebrates the small businesses in our local communities and encourages people to shop there as part of their holiday shopping plans.

Franklin Southampton represents small-town America very well. Along with our work promoting business attraction, our local Enterprise Zones and continued growth in our larger industrial businesses, FSEDI maintains a prime focus of its work to support prosperity for small businesses in Franklin Southampton.

FSEDI has long been a Neighborhood Champion for Small Business Saturday, and we will be providing promotional support as well as prizes to stimulate shopping activity on Small Business Saturday.  FSEDI will be promoting small businesses in Franklin Southampton to help make Small Business Saturday, as well as the entire holiday season, prosperous and merry.  An estimated $17.9 billion was spent at independent retailers during Small Business Saturday, according to a 2022 national survey.

Most of our businesses in Franklin Southampton are small companies.  Our retailers, service providers and other local small businesses provide the backbone of our community life and attractions.  Our peanut-related stores and shops, locally owned main street businesses with a variety of goods, along with our other local businesses help make Franklin Southampton unique and special for residents, visitors and newcomers alike.  

Speaking of newcomers, Franklin Southampton has experienced significant new housing construction.  D.R. Horton continues to build new homes in Riverwood.  The Ryan Homes Summit project has started construction, with the model home opening for sales in November.  New residents mean additional buying power and the possibility of more retail and service options coming to Franklin Southampton.  FSEDI helps ensure new residents are aware of local business offerings. FSEDI publishes a Newcomer’s Guide, as well as regular information on events and happenings in Franklin Southampton.

Small Business Saturday is an excellent time to celebrate what is good and special in Franklin-Southampton.  Watch the visitfranklinsouthamptonva.com and fsediva.com websites, as well as our social media pages, for more information on Small Business Saturday promotions as well as special things happening throughout the year.

KARL HECK is president and CEO of Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. Contact him at kheck@franklinsouthamptonva.com.