The Role of Community Engagement in Economic Development

Pilsen-based businesses in Chicago are collaborating with local artists for the Pilsen Christmas Window Walk, an annual holiday tradition that boosts foot traffic along 18th Street. The storefront windows, organized by the Economic Strategies Development Corporation (ESDC), are revealed on Small Business Saturday to encourage consumers to buy local. The initiative is crucial for small business owners who have faced financial struggles due to the pandemic. The money spent at these businesses goes back into the local economy, supporting employees, taxes, and bills.

The Pilsen Christmas Window Walk also includes a contest with cash prizes, where anyone can vote for their favorite window display. The first-place business and artist will receive $1,000 each, second-place winners will receive $500 each, and third-place winners will receive $250 each [f161d449].

Small Business Saturday, a nationwide event that promotes and supports local businesses, is shining a spotlight on Baltimore's historic main streets, downtown Colorado Springs, San Antonio, and Victoria, Texas businesses. The event highlights the importance of small businesses in the local economy and encourages residents to shop small and support their community.

In downtown Colorado Springs, Coloradans celebrated Small Business Saturday by showing their support for local businesses. Shoppers were encouraged to 'buy small' and boost the local economy. Small businesses in Colorado Springs account for 43.5% of the GDP each year, making their success crucial for the overall economic health of the community [cffed2c0].

Mayor Brandon Scott of Baltimore emphasizes the essential role that small businesses play in the community. These businesses not only provide employment opportunities for local residents but also reinvest money back into the neighborhoods, contributing to their growth and development [1a2f8a7e].

One example of a family-owned and minority-owned business in Baltimore is the Fraser family, who own a chocolate shop in Waverly, one of the city's historic main streets. The Fraser family highlights their commitment to the community and their understanding of its needs. They rely on the support of the community to thrive and compete with big box stores [1a2f8a7e].

Ricky Herman, owner of Herman's Discount, is another small business owner in Baltimore who emphasizes the importance of community support. Small businesses like Herman's Discount rely on the loyalty and patronage of local residents to stay competitive in the market [1a2f8a7e].

In San Antonio, businesses are calling on the community for support on Small Business Saturday. The Blend Nutrition and Gym, owned by Natalie Zernick, is celebrating its one-year anniversary. Erica Shimamura organized a pop-up event at the Jefferson Bodega to support businesses without their own storefronts. Many vendors participated in the event to get their names out there [5db4538a].

The Small Business Saturday event in Victoria, Texas, aimed to promote the local economy by encouraging shoppers to support small businesses. The event, which had a lower turnout compared to previous years, was relocated to the American Legion post due to renovations at the usual venue, DeLeon Plaza. Despite the challenges faced by small businesses, event coordinator Tina Goodner plans to continue the event next year. Local business owners expressed their gratitude for the community's support and emphasized the importance of shopping small and local to sustain their livelihoods and contribute to the community [45f7cf6d].

Small Business Saturday serves as a reminder of the significant role that small businesses play in Baltimore's economy, downtown Colorado Springs, San Antonio, and Victoria, Texas. By supporting these businesses, residents can contribute to the growth and vitality of their neighborhoods. Shopping small not only provides unique products and services but also helps foster a sense of community and connection [1a2f8a7e] [cffed2c0] [45f7cf6d].

Artists Sunday, now in its fourth year, aims to support local artists across the United States by encouraging consumers to buy art and handmade goods. The event, which takes place on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, promotes the idea of shopping for art as an alternative to traditional Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. By purchasing art from local artists, consumers not only support the arts but also contribute to the local economy. Artists rely on these sales to sustain their livelihoods and continue creating. The initiative was started by Christopher Sherman, who believes that supporting artists is essential for the cultural and economic well-being of communities. Artists Sunday provides a platform for artists to showcase their work and connect with potential buyers. The event has gained momentum over the years and has expanded to include various art forms, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and jewelry. By participating in Artists Sunday, consumers can make a meaningful impact on the lives of artists and contribute to the vibrancy of their local arts scene. [dbfcc2b8]

Small Business Saturday promotes shopping at local businesses during the Christmas season to support small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of America, but they face challenges in accessing capital. Proposed legislation aims to remove barriers and prioritize creditworthiness over social factors in small business lending. The author shares their own experience of starting a business with the help of capital. Arkansas has over 258,000 small businesses employing over 500,000 people. The article emphasizes the importance of supporting small businesses for economic development [59df1007].

The Grand Rapids 'Shop Hop' event promotes sustainable fashion and supports local small businesses. Nine participating businesses focus on sustainable fashion, offering unique clothing pieces for conscious consumers. The event aims to create opportunities for people to purchase locally, find unique clothing pieces, and support the local economy. It highlights the challenges of shopping sustainably in today’s clothing market and the impact of fast fashion on consumer behavior. Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick, co-founder of Second Vibess, points out the difficulties of shopping smart in the current clothing market, including unethical practices in supply-chain manufacturing and the prevalence of fast fashion. Shopping sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive, and events like Shop Hop encourage a shift in consumer behavior. Shopping at small businesses and investing in high-quality, locally manufactured clothing are key strategies for promoting fashion sustainability [628694b2].

Dave Hengel, the executive director of Greater Bemidji Economic Development, emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. Small businesses account for 63% of all new jobs created since 1995 and 44% of the national Gross Domestic Product. Hengel highlights the unique and distinctively Bemidji small businesses that set the community apart and attract visitors. Greater Bemidji offers free business and technical support to small businesses, including coaching, peer-to-peer support, and mentorship. They also provide support to entrepreneurs and business startups, helping with incorporating, business planning, permitting, and financing. Hengel expresses gratitude to local business leaders and encourages the community to 'Love Local' [a4e3a0ad].

Community engagement in a small town is crucial for the livelihood of its residents and businesses. By becoming engaged, we strengthen relationships and enhance Sanford's overall quality of place. Supporting local businesses and encouraging others to buy locally can boost local economic development. Increased community involvement attracts outside visitors and investors, helping them see the potential for their business venture to thrive in a community where its residents are engaged and supportive. Staying involved and engaged provides valuable insights for identifying areas of improvement and collaborating on solutions that benefit the local economy and quality of place. The Chamber of Commerce Director for the Sanford Area Growth Alliance, Susan Gomez, emphasizes the importance of community engagement and invites individuals and businesses to become Chamber members to advocate for the Chamber and receive great benefits. Follow Sanford Area Growth Alliance on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on community events and opportunities for involvement. [264c9140]