Small Business Saturday Helps Support Local Economy And Community

This weekend makes a good time to kick off holiday shopping not only with Black Friday, but with Small Business Saturday.

That’s according to Ethan Hadley, the President and CEO of the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce. Hadley said that the idea behind Small Business Saturday is to drive more people to shop locally.

“It’s just a good experience to get out by yourself or with a friend or with family to see what’s available locally,” Hadley said. “And to find something that suits you and also to hopefully help those small businesses keep offering what they offer.”

Hadley said that with the various shortages across the nation, it’s a good opportunity to go directly to a shop and find what you need. He said it also benefits the local economy by keeping dollars inside the community.

“About a quarter of the privately-employed working population in Tennessee works in businesses of twenty people or less so you’re also helping to support them when you go to shop local,” Hadley said.

Hadley said that Crossville itself has a rich and diverse array of small businesses itself. He said you can find anything from mom and pop restaurants to local art.

Hadley said Small Business Saturday can provide shoppers with the physical experience of shopping, and provide business owners a boost in sales.