SBDC-Hilo Recognized for Efforts to Promote Small Businesses

Courtesy photo, SBDC Hilo.

The East Hawai‘i Chapter of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was recently recognized by the Hawai‘i County Council for efforts to support small local businesses. On Nov. 2, the SBDC Hilo office received a certificate of recognition from the Council for their work promoting the annual nationwide “Shop Small Business” campaign on Hawai‘i Island.

Small Business Saturday is held on the Saturday following Thanksgiving to encourage people to shop local and understand the benefits of spending money at area businesses throughout the year. This year’s Shop Small Saturday falls on Nov. 25.

Last month, SBDC Hilo held a free workshop for East Hawai‘i business owners to help them take advantage of Small Business Saturday. Nearly 20 store owners received guidance on developing a marketing plan leading up to Nov. 25.

According to SBDC, the impact on the local economy of shopping at small businesses can be substantial. Independent retailers keep 48 percent more money in their local economy than national chains, while independent restaurants help keep 65 percent more money locally, according to a 2014 report by Localism by the Numbers. This additional money in the local economy leads to more employment, wages, charitable giving and additional sales in the community.

For more information on Small Business Saturday or SBDC-Hilo, call (808) 933-0776 or visit www.hisbdc.org.

Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010, and has grown in popularity over the years as an alternative to the shopping frenzy surrounding Black Friday.