Small Business Saturday supports local

Lebanon’s small businesses have their own day on Saturday.

Set between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is themed as the time to go out and support local businesses in the community and boost the economy in the process. Small Business Saturday is sponsored by American Express.

“It’s an opportunity to really support the small business community,” said Sue Vanatta, president of the Lebanon-Wilson County Chamber of Commerce.

Vanatta said people often forget that small businesses are generally the ones that provide sponsorships for local schools and organizations in the community.

By shopping at local small businesses, consumers not only give those businesses the ability to provide local sponsorships but also provide sales tax revenues that fuel local government services.

“It helps build our schools, gives us nice roads and good infrastructure, and it helps our police department,” said Vanatta. “Without those tax dollars, the county would be in trouble.”

Helene Cash, owner of Crystal Couture on the Square in Lebanon, said she has already seen a strong base of support in the community.

“There’s such a huge focus in the community on ‘shop local,’ so we’re already ahead of the game,” said Cash.

Vanatta said the Chamber planned to ask members to advertise Small Business Saturday on their businesses’ marquis signs.

Some businesses – including Crystal Couture – will also extend Black Friday deals through the weekend.

“For my business demographic, I will be busier on Small Business Saturday,” said Cash. “People will want to walk the historic Square and visit the specialty stores…It’s a different dynamic; it’s a different day.”