The City of Salem, Virginia, is celebrating the contributions of local small businesses to the economy and community. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses represent 99.7% of firms with paid employees, are responsible for 62.7% of net new jobs created since 1995, and employ 46.4% of the employees in the private sector in the United States.
Spending at small businesses has a significant impact on the local community, with sixty-eight cents of every dollar staying within the local economy and creating an additional 48 cents in local business activity. Small Business Saturday has also been successful in encouraging consumers to shop and dine at small, independently-owned retailers and restaurants throughout the year.
The City of Salem supports local businesses that create jobs, boost the local economy, and maintain communities. As a result, the mayor has officially proclaimed November 25, 2023, as Small Business Saturday in the city of Salem, Virginia. Residents and communities across the country are urged to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and to Shop Small throughout the year. The proclamation is signed by the mayor and attested by the Clerk of Council.