There is no overstating the importance of small businesses to a thriving economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, small businesses make up 97.3 percent of all businesses in Louisiana and employ 53.5 percent of the state’s private workforce.
Small Business Saturday (coming up November 25!) promotes and celebrates small businesses nationwide, recognizing their importance to our local economies and communities. Last week, we spotlighted a few local small businesses to help you get started on your holiday shopping lists. This week, because Small Business Saturday falls on LSU and Southern University gamedays, we’ve rounded up a few local small businesses to help you prepare for your gameday festivities!
Tin Roof Brewing Co.
The Tin Roof Brewing Co. has been an active member of the Baton Rouge community since 2010, hosting Wednesday Yoga on Tap, weekly trivia nights, and monthly Family Nights (just to name a few). It produces several brands and styles of beer year-round, including its Bayou Bengal Lager, an official licensed product of LSU. Tin Roof’s tap room is located at 1624 Wyoming St., off Nicholson.
https://www.tinroofbeer.com/
PERLIS
An institution in Louisiana since 1939, we’re guessing you’ve probably heard of the name Perlis, or at least spotted one of the brand’s classic crawfish polos around town (which comes in 43 colors, by the way). With green, purple and gold polos, as well as hand-made needlepoint wallets and belts, Perlis is a perfect place to help you dress for gameday. If you’re in the Baton Rouge Area, you can find its store at 8366 Jefferson Highway. https://www.perlis.com/
The Backpacker
Having raised $17,000 to support Habitat for Humanity’s flood relief efforts and over $8,500 to support employees and customers who were affected by the 2016 flooding, The Backpacker exemplifies the strong relationships small businesses form with their communities. The Backpacker carries a ton of tailgating necessities, including ice chests, hammocks and koozies, as well as brands like The North Face, Patagonia and Southern Marsh. You can find it at 7656 Jefferson Highway.
http://backpackeroutdoors.com/
Brooke Hathaway
As Economic Research and Policy Analyst at BRAC, Brooke conducts research and performs data collection to support key policy focus areas, including workforce development, education, and others. She is responsible for tracking economic, legislative and market trends impacting the region.