Supporting Local Businesses and Communities with Small Business Saturday – NEWS10 ABC

Linda Viertel is the store manager at Ten Thousand Villages in Albany, and she says that by supporting a local business, you are also supporting the community.

“We are a small entity and a non-profit. So, all of our items are hand made by artists all over the world… but it does affect communities even locally,” she said.

The shop also makes sure to help other local community organizations.

“We worked with Love146, [and], recently, we worked with Safe Inc. of Schenectady about stopping human trafficking and providing soaps,” she said. “Our community provided soaps to help teenagers get out of human trafficking.”

Susan Hoffman owns Wits End in Clifton Park. She has been in business since 1975 and she feels that listening and serving her community is the secret ingredient to her success.

But no matter where you go for ornaments, clothing, gifts for kids, or even chocolate… today is the day to show some love to your favorite local shop or restaurant wherever you are. Remember that when you are supporting a small business you are also supporting a local family who is serving your community.

In fact, organizers estimate that 67 cents of every dollar spent in a small business today stay in the local community. They also added that small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to local nonprofits and community centers.

“People spend their money in their community. The money stays in the community and helps that community to grow. It keeps it in the region,” Hoffman said.