Whereas, the City of South Burlington, VT, celebrates our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community; according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 31.7 million small businesses in the United States, they represent 99.9% of all firms with paid employees in the United States, are responsible for 65.1% of net new jobs created from 2000 to 2019; and
Whereas, small businesses employ 47.1% of the employees in the private sector in the United States, 62% of U.S. small businesses reported that they need to see consumer spending return to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2020 in order to stay in business, 65% of U.S. small business owners said it would be most helpful to their business to have their “regulars” return and start making purchases again, and three-quarters of U.S. consumers are currently looking for ways to Shop Small® and support their community; and
Whereas, 96% of consumers who shopped on Small Business Saturday® agree that shopping at small, independently-owned businesses supports their commitment to making purchases that have a positive social, economic, and environmental impact and 97% of consumers who shopped on Small Business Saturday agree that small businesses are essential to their community; and
Whereas, 95% of consumers who shopped on Small Business Saturday reported the day makes them want to shop or eat at small, independently-owned businesses all year long, not just during the holiday season; and
Whereas, the City of South Burlington, VT supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy, and preserve our communities; and
Whereas, the impacts of the Pandemic have emphasized the extra importance of the need to support local businesses and the significance of shopping locally to support the local economy, especially within our community; and
Whereas, advocacy groups, as well as public and private organizations, across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday.
Now, Therefore, the City Council, of the City of South Burlington, VT do hereby proclaim, November 28, 2020, as:
SOUTH BURLINGTON SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
And authorize Helen Riehle as Chair of the City Council to sign this proclamation, and urge the residents of our community, and communities across the country, to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.