Black Friday, Cyber Monday…NOW Small Business Saturday

As someone working hard to get their own small business off the ground here in New Jersey, I know how good it feels when patrons knock on my door. Along with this year’s holiday sales and doorbusters, Black Friday for retailers and Cyber Monday for online shoppers, small businesses have their own special day for an economic boost. Launched by American Express through their social media outlets in 2011, Small Business Saturday falls directly between the two major money-saving holiday shopping days. Growing the economy starts somewhere and for the most part we do patronize small businesses more often than we think. I’m sure that we know of and support these “mom-and-pops” as well as everyday Americans that own and work for them.

Here are a few Small Business Facts: (as of 2011)

-There are 28 million small businesses in America

-70% of small businesses are operated by one person

-Immigrants make up 12.5% of small business owners nationwide

-Small businesses pay 44% of U.S. payroll

-60%-80% of all new jobs come from small businesses <– My favorite fact!

Check out this amazing article linked above to learn a little more about how much small businesses make up the America we know of today. They also have great resources for small business owners, current and future.

In my opinion, the foodservice industry makes up a good percentage, if not, the majority of the small businesses out there. This summer, I was able to meet a few up-and-coming small businesses in the food service industry at a weekly local food fair in Brooklyn, NY called Smorgasburg. I got to see what they were all about; their passion, their creativity, and more importantly, their delicious, love-filled food. These amazing entrepreneurs originated from immigrants and college drop outs to blue collar workers and “reformed corporate suits.”

They came from all walks of life, all with the hopes to pursue personal goals and achieve childhood dreams…to do what they’re really passionate about.

They are powered by such a simple, innate emotion that are most often, if not, always lost as age climbs and responsibilities pile up.

A few popular SMORGASBURGers and small businesses:

Alchemy Creamery @thealcreamist …Thee BEST vegan ice cream IN THE WORLD! I said it here, let it be known! Say “Hi!” to Giuseppe for me!

Anarchy In a Jar …They make my favorite Strawberry Balsamic Jam!

Asia Dog …Read about them here on their own blog!

Bombay Sandwich Co. @BombaySandwich …These folks create a vegan, mostly plant-strong (my fav) menu that tantalizes your taste buds!

Lumpia Shack @LumpiaShack …A group of fellow Filipino-Americans who took a staple from their cuisine and mainstreamed the heck out of them!

Mrs. Kim’s Kimchi @MrsKimsKimchi …their product is as homemade as it gets!

Saucy By Nature @saucybynature

Uttapam & Co. …a true local farmers’ friend!

Please tell them Chef Flo (King) sent you from Serve M.E. Now!

Now if you are like me and most of my friends and family, you probably already support these businesses on a daily basis.

What I’m trying to move on is that we need to spread this “PATRIOTnizing” to our fellow consumers in order to keep these job-making, economy boosting, and local-loving American entrepreneurs afloat.

Just like we read from the Business Insider this is exactly what grows America’s economy. In the wake of our current election centered around “job creation” and “economic slumps,” supporting our neighbors, friends, and families through this season of shopping makes for a true happy holiday. Go online, walk to the corner store, or line up at a local food truck for a bite to eat with your coworkers, today and everyday.  What’s even better is that they may offer some new and exciting product or services that you can’t get at your everyday retailer and/or chain. Let this holiday season be a time of unique and special gift giving to the ones you love. You’ll not only be named the “Gift-Giver of the Year” but I’m sure you’ll make it on the “Best Customer” list as well!

Now go out there and shop local…shop small!

-Chef Flo

 

Here are a few resources for you up-and-coming small businesses out there. I found them extremely informative and appreciatively helpful!

U.S. Small Business Administration

Free Small Business Advice from Score

Goldman Sachs Helps the Small Business