Small businesses are indispensable to a healthy, thriving economy. They represent 99.9 percent of all businesses and employ 47.8 percent of all private sector employees nationwide. Furthermore, small businesses are responsible for the majority of all net new job growth, according to the 2016 Annual Report of the Office of Economic Research.
Small Business Saturday promotes and celebrates small businesses nationwide, recognizing their importance to our local economies and communities. The inaugural Small Business Saturday took place on November 27, 2010 with a mission to encourage communities across the country to embrace local small businesses. Nestled in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the day has only grown since 2010, becoming a principal part of the holiday shopping season. An estimated $14.3 billion was spent at small businesses on Small Business Saturday in 2014. Last year that number reached $15.4 billion, states American Express.
Luckily, the Capital Region is in no short supply of local small businesses to support this upcoming Small Business Saturday (November 25!). We had the chance to talk to a few local retailers about their businesses to help you with your holiday shopping lists.
Cavalier House Books
After opening its doors in 2009, the bookstore and book fair provider Cavalier House Books has become a staple in Denham Springs’ historic downtown. Honestly, we couldn’t say it better than owner John Cavalier, “It’s a great responsibility to service an area’s book needs as our offerings have to not only reflect the community we serve, but also include the blueprints for what our community will be and can be. The kids’ books we sell today have to inspire the community leaders of tomorrow and the adult books we sell daily have to help fulfill the intellectual, spiritual, and entertainment needs of our neighbors, friends, and family.”
http://www.cavalierhousebooks.com/
Billy Heroman’s
The family-owned business Billy Heroman’s has been part of the Baton Rouge community since 1955. If you live in the Baton Rouge Area, you’ve probably spotted one of their purple delivery vans “delivering smiles” around town! With three Baton Rouge locations, Billy Heroman’s specializes in flowers, gifts, and plant services, including décor and a greenhouse full of poinsettias for the holiday season.
https://www.billyheromans.com/
The Keeping Room
Located in the Acadian Village Shopping Center, The Keeping Room has been a part of the Baton Rouge community for 25 years. Built on a reputation of elegance and attention to detail, the store offers an impeccably curated collection of unique gifts, stationery, and party décor. The Keeping Room’s in-house graphic designers work to create custom pieces for their clients, from artwork to invitations.
http://www.thekeepingroombr.com/
Ma Milles Gifts
Situated in historic Saint Francisville, Ma Milles Gifts brings to the area a collection of trendy clothing, shoes, jewelry, and gifts. It also carries designer brands, including Kendra Scott and Costa. For the holiday season, the gift shop carries holiday decor, including mugs, candles, and ornaments.
https://www.facebook.com/MaMilles70775/
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.