The Amherst Town Council has voted to proclaim Saturday, November 28th as Small Business Saturday in the Town. Your councilors urge the community to support Amherst small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.
Proclamation in Support of Small Business Saturday
Whereas, the Town of Amherst supports and celebrates our local small businesses which contribute to our local economy, create jobs, and preserve our community; and
Whereas, nearly 90% of the for-profit businesses in Amherst are relatively small, with less than 20 employees, and approximately 70% have fewer than 10 employees; and
Whereas, according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 31.7 million small businesses in the United States, representing 99.9% of all firms with paid employees in the United States, employing 47.1% of the employees in the private sector, and responsible for 65.1% of net new jobs created from 2000 to 2019; and
Whereas, 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 lookingfor ways to Shop Small® and support their community; and
Whereas, 96% of consumers who shop 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 shop on Small Business Saturday® agree that small businesses are essential to their community; and
Whereas, 95% of consumers who shop on Small Business Saturday® report 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, 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 Amherst Town Council proclaims November 28, 2020 Small Business Saturday® and urges the residents of our community to support Amherst small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday® and throughout the year.
Be it further resolved that the Clerk of the Amherst Town Council shall cause a copy of this resolution to be sent to the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and the Amherst Business Improvement District.