Small Business Saturday: Resources for Small Business Owners and Special Events for Consumers11/25/2024
Learn how to foster shopping small and where to pick-up gifts this season. Small Business Saturday is an annual event that takes place nationwide on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. This year it falls on Saturday, November 30, and presents opportunities for small businesses to encourage their community to shop small in anticipation of the holiday season. Tools and Resources for Small Business Owners Originally founded by American Express in 2010 as a way for small businesses, devastated by the financial crisis of 2008, to increase web and foot traffic to their organizations. Since its inception, consumers have spent an estimated $201 billion with small businesses on Small Business Saturday. This season marks the 15th anniversary of the campaign, and American Express has released new marketing resources for business owners. In addition, the U.S. Chamber of Comme4rce has released social media materials and guides for small business to help make the most of the event: Economic Outlook for the Holiday Season Designating a day in their honor reminds us that small businesses rely on our patronage during critical consumer shopping seasons as well as year-round. This year, support for small businesses is especially important as consumers are expected to spend $191 less at small businesses this holiday season, a 40% downturn from last year, as rising costs and continued inflationary pressures are causing a pull back on spending. This could cause a strain on small businesses who rely on holiday sales to drive profit, as 61% say holiday revenue is a key factor to the success of their business, according to data from Quickbooks. However, while total consumer spend is expected to be down, the positive outlook for small businesses this season is that consumers remain loyal to supporting and shopping small. Nearly half of consumers (47%) said a key reason they choose to shop at a small business over a larger retailer is their desire to contribute to their communities and support overall entrepreneurial success. Benefits of Shopping Small Keeping dollars circulating in local economies is a big benefit of Small Business Saturday. Almost half of every dollar spent at a local business recirculates throughout the local economy, compared to just 13% for chain stores, according to the American Independent Business Alliance. The items found in small businesses are often made by hand in small batches, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces. Local stores are often able to offer customized products, hands-on service, and other personal touches that big box stores simply cannot. In fact, 52% of consumers say they purchase from small businesses to find unique gifts or offerings that can't be found at big retailers. Additionally, consumers who are looking to avoid the stressors of holiday shopping are favoring small businesses with 1 in 3 consumers noting a desire to avoid crowded or busy big retail stores during the holiday shopping rush in favor of shopping small. Shopping Small in Tacoma-Pierce County Many small businesses are already preparing for the influx of consumers who are eager to shop small on November 30, and there are a number of local events taking place that Tacoma-Pierce businesses and consumers can participate in this season.
If you’re unable to shop on Small Business Saturday, there’s a number of events taking place in early December to choose from.
Shopping Small Online
With the growth of the digital economy, more entrepreneurs are starting or moving their businesses online. This year, many consumers plan to shop equally online and in-person for the holidays (compared with only 26% who say they plan to shop primarily in-person and 23% who say they plan to shop primarily online). Social media is becoming a popular platform for small businesses to market and sell their products. Over half of small business owners (52%) say they plan to use social media platforms in order to sell products or services this holiday season—more than any other platform, including their own website. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are top social platforms of choice for both small businesses and their customers. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber is proud to support small businesses in our region. As you shop for gifts this season, don’t forget about the numerous small businesses that support your local economy and employ your friends and neighbors.
Celebration of Innovation, Community, and Entrepreneurship The Pierce County Business Accelerator (PCBA) Showcase, held on November 13, 2024, at the Washington State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, was a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. The event marked the culmination of three years of dedication and hard work, as over 60 businesses proudly showcased their achievements after graduating from the PCBA program. The showcase provided a platform for PCBA graduates and entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and services, network with industry professionals, and connect with potential customers. The diversity of businesses on display was awe-inspiring, ranging from custom balloon sculptures to cutting-edge cleaning solutions, and from beauty supplies to dynamic business marketing companies. Ralph Mitchell, founder of Beprepared2treat, is one graduate who was in attendance with a unique business. Mitchell’s organization was founded upon his background of 27 years as a physician’s assistant and travel nurse. His organization centers on training people on how to deal with the immediate trauma of gun violence in order to stop the bleed and prevent a fatality. “We need to be prepared,” said Mitchell. “Box stores, Home Depot, Target, all of them need training so they know how to pack a wound, apply pressure, and operate in different scenarios in order to force critical thinking skills to kick in.” One of the standout features of the event was the eclectic array of culinary delights. Attendees were treated with offerings from some of the region's most exciting food entrepreneurs. Between the creative cookies, baked goods, pizza, BBQ, and savory treats, there was something for everyone. Josh Barsh of Seven Sons was on site with his mother Denise. Barsh originally learned about the PCBA program from his aunt. “It was great going through the class and absorb all the learning around how to get my paperwork for planning in order, how to find funding, how grants operate and how to apply to them as well,” said Barsh. “It was wonderful for me as I planned out my schedule because I was able to meet with other business owners and learn how they schedule their day.” Jan Parker, a graduate of the first PCBA cohort, was also in attendance marking her team’s third appearance at the PCBA Showcase. “People who are interested should take the program. It’s free, has great networking, and grant opportunities,” said Parker. "Definitely a good experience.” The vibrant atmosphere of the showcase attracted over 200 attendees, including entrepreneurs, investors, and community members eager to support and engage with the local business community. The event offered a unique opportunity for networking, as participants had the chance to forge valuable connections, sample diverse products, and gain insight into the innovative ventures emerging from the south sound region. As we look back on another year of the PCBA program, we are left behind a palpable sense of achievement and community spirit. The showcase not only celebrated the businesses that had successfully completed the accelerator program but also served as a testament to the region's entrepreneurial resilience and creativity. The event reinforced the importance of fostering a supportive ecosystem for local businesses, highlighting the potential for growth, collaboration, and prosperity within the vibrant business community of Pierce County. PCBA is a program of Pierce County funded through an allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). For more information visit pcba.biz.  Are your current closets not serving your needs? Maybe you know you need a closet remodel but don’t know where to start? Look no further: Inspired Closets can help! Now proudly serving the Pierce County community from its new location in Fife, Inspired Closets offers organizational solutions for many parts of the home. With established locations in Bellingham and Kirkland, Owner, Paul Valley, is thrilled to expand its footprint. "When I was a teenager, I loved cleaning the garage. I can still remember the feeling of a recently swept, completely organized garage. It was like a breath of fresh air to me,” said Valley. “I am a genuine fan of clean and uncluttered spaces, and I have made it my life's work to use my passion for organization to help others live less cluttered stressful lives.” At the Inspired Closets showroom, visitors can explore a variety of room displays that inspire creativity and solutions for your own space. From walk-in closets and pantries to mudrooms, laundry rooms, and garages, you’ll find ideas to fit your lifestyle and needs. The Inspired Closets team is knowledgeable, approachable, and just as passionate about creating clutter-free, functional spaces as Paul is. They’ll guide you step-by-step through the process, making your closet or home organization project feel effortless and achievable. Stop by the new showroom in Fife today to meet the team and start designing the space of your dreams. Inspired Closets Tacoma is ready to help you transform your home, one room at a time! Inspired Closets is located at 3202 20th Street East, Fife, WA 98424. You can also follow them for news and updates on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or connect with owner Paul Valley on LinkedIn.  On November 6th, the Hilltop District in Tacoma and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber celebrated the grand opening of Girls Hearts on Fire’s new office in the heart of the Hilltop community. Girls Hearts on Fire (GHOF) is a community center dedicated to empowering young women aged 10-18 by offering solace, opportunity, sisterhood, and economic advancement. The organization serves multiple age groups through its thoughtfully designed programs: Sparks (5th grade), Flames (middle school), and Blazes (high school). Founder and Executive Director Cecily Croskey was joined by family, friends, and community members for the celebration. “I wish there was something like this when I was that age,” shared Jessica Johnston, the November Chamber Ambassador of the Month and Director of Court House Square & KSP Building. “It would have been so helpful and filled that gap.” The event included a special blessing of the building by Vicky Buford, a GHOF Board of Directors member. Guests explored the welcoming space, which was described as bright, cozy, and delightfully aromatic—thanks to the organization’s signature fragrance, Sweet Inferno. Created by Croskey, the scent is available as a candle for purchase on the GHOF website. Girls Hearts on Fire has been a beacon for young women in Tacoma for over a decade, celebrating its 10-year anniversary earlier this year with the Decade of Dreams: Igniting Hearts for 10 Years Gala. This summer, GHOF hosted a series of engaging events including hair-braiding workshops, picnics, hot yoga sessions, and candle-making classes. At the heart of GHOF’s programming is a powerful mission: to empower young women through leadership, life skills, and entrepreneurship. If you have a young woman in your life that could benefit from joining the GHOF Club, be sure to head to its new community space at 901 S 11th Street, Tacoma, WA, 98405 or follow them via social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X to learn more. U.S. adults recognize the wide-sweeping impact of their local chamber, ACCE/Harris Poll survey finds. Results from a nationwide public opinion poll indicate chambers of commerce are vital to the prosperity of their communities. The Harris Poll survey, conducted on behalf of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), finds 81% of U.S. adults agree that their local chamber of commerce is a trusted resource and partner for businesses. Around nine in 10 feel that their local chamber has an impact on growing the local economy (90%) and addressing challenges within their community (88%). “The poll’s findings assert the crucial role chambers of commerce play for businesses, economies and communities,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE president & CEO. “Chambers are trusted and innovative organizations. As a result, we are seeing tremendous momentum to bring even more bold leadership and lasting impact on the communities we serve.” Key findings of the poll include:
 Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States between September 5-9, 2024 among 2,075 adults (aged 18 and over) including 141 respondents who are business owners (i.e., employed with a title of CEO, partner or owner) by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) via its Harris On Demand omnibus product. Data were weighted where necessary by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, household income, [employment], and political party affiliation, to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population. Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments. Additional insights can be found at acce.org/poll. Questions about the study may be directed to Jen Pruden ([email protected]), communications manager, resources and benchmarking, at ACCE. About ACCE ACCE is the professional society supporting the individuals who lead local, regional, statewide and international chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations. Its membership includes more than 1,600 business/civic organizations worldwide, representing more than 9,000 professionals. The association provides members with information resources, thought leadership, education programs, original research, benchmarking and access to a network of peers. Reviving family fun: Former Hawks Prairie center finds a new home in Central Tacoma. Are you searching for the perfect place to entertain your little ones or host their next party? Look no further! Charlie’s Safari Family Fun Center officially opened its doors in Central Tacoma, marking the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber this November. The owner, Rob Jones, who lives in Ruston, purchased the indoor safari-themed business that was originally based in Lacey, Wash., and brought it to Tacoma this year on the backside of the Michael’s Plaza. The ribbon-cutting was led by Andrea Reay, President and CEO of the Chamber, Jones’s children, Charlie’s Safari staff, Chamber members, November Chamber Ambassadors of the Month: Bob Hays and Jenny Tharp, and Chamber members Elisabeth Albers from the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and Sergio Lopez, Branch Manager at Washington Federal. A Place for Family Fun and Community Impact Charlie’s Safari is committed to providing a safe, engaging environment for children and families. The center offers a variety of attractions, including play areas, bounce houses, an arcade, air hockey, and a snack bar. For adults, there’s a refreshment center responsibly serving beer and wine. Beyond fun and games, Rob Jones and General Manager, Meghan Krissak, are dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. “We believe strongly that as you get more, you give more,” said Krissak. The team is partnering with the Tacoma Housing Authority to create programs like job fairs, visitation support for families involved with Child Protective Services, and summer and winter break camps to support parents during school holidays. Organizations interested in collaborating are encouraged to reach out through Charlie’s Safari website. Inclusivity at the Core Charlie’s Safari also embraces diversity and representation. While the original safari mascot remains part of its branding, the team introduced new characters with a range of skin tones to reflect the diverse community it serves. Make time to visit Charlie's Safari Family Fun Center on 3610 S Pine St Ste A Tacoma, WA, 98409 , or follow it on Facebook or X, for recent news and updates. You can read more about Charlie's Safari Family Fun Center in a recent article from the Tacoma News Tribune.  Impacto Notaría & Multiservicios celebrated its grand re-launch and anniversary in early November alongside the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. The event brought together family, friends, partners, community members, and local leaders, including Tacoma City Councilmember Olgy Diaz and Mi Centro, a Chamber member-partner. Owner Yadira Morales chose November 2, 2023, as her original opening day for a deeply personal reason: Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead), a meaningful holiday that honors her family’s traditions. Rooted in these values, Morales’s new office is a perfect reflection of her journey. Its walls are adorned with handmade art from Mexico, alongside personal touches like Harry Potter memorabilia, showcasing her creative spirit. Before founding Impacto Notaría & Multiservicios, Morales shone as a rhinestone artist. Her talent for adding sparkle to apparel fueled her entrepreneurial drive. With the unwavering support of her family, she shifted focus and pursued her dream of building a notary business to serve her community. Her journey has been nothing short of inspiring. In just a year, Morales completed two office moves, graduated from the Pierce County Business Accelerator program, and solidified Impacto’s brand with a hummingbird—a symbol of free spirit and strength. “I decided to open this company because I got tired of seeing notary fraud and people taking advantage of Latino, immigrant, and low-income communities,” Morales shared. “Everyone deserves access to honest legal resources and guidance they can trust.” Please join the Chamber in congratulating Impacto Notaría & Multiservicios on one year of making an impact, and if you are looking for an honest, hardworking, professional to help in a variety of service areas, be sure to contact Impacto Notaría & Multiservicios via its website, at its location on 1105 Tacoma Ave S Tacoma, WA, 98402, or via social media on Facebook or Instagram. The Chamber 100 Fall Conference presents a call to action, highlighting the critical need for pro-growth policies and a united approach to economic leadership in a time of political unrest. How can we work together to achieve 3% growth, and how quickly can we rally around the policies that will make it happen? Chamber Chief Executive Officer and President Andrea Ray recently attended the Chamber 100 Fall Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she joined fellow leaders from across the country to discuss key updates from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The conference provided a comprehensive look at the U.S. political landscape, economic forecasts, and federal policy changes that could shape the future of business and growth in America. Big Conversations, Big Impact The Chamber 100 brought together committee members from across the country and some of the most influential voices in business and policy. Notable speakers in attendance included Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase; Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; and Tevi Troy, author of The Power of Money. These discussions offered attendees a deep dive into the intersection of business strategy, federal policy, and the broader economic trends that will shape the country’s future. Protecting Business in a Divided America One of the central themes of the conference was the growing political and cultural polarization in the U.S. and its impact on business. In a climate where partisan divides seem to be deepening, the business community faces new challenges in policies that promote growth and stability. Newly elected and returning official need to focus on pro-growth policies that:
Speakers discussed how to prepare for the next administration, and whether a divided Congress can find the will to compromise for the good of the economy. The consensus was clear: in times like these, the business community must act as a unifying force, providing a rational and trusted voice for prosperity in the face of division. The Importance of 3% Growth Perhaps the most pressing issue discussed at the conference was the importance of achieving sustained economic growth. Speakers emphasized that a growth rate of 3% isn’t just an ambitious target – it’s critical for the long-term health of the economy. At this rate, American’s economy would double in size by the time someone born today reaches their early 20s. In contrast, a 2% growth rate would push this milestone into their mid-30s. Therefore, public policy plays a pivotal role in creating the conditions for this kind of growth. Pro-growth policies that preserve a competitive tax code, secure new trade deals, support workforce development, and tackle the country’s growing federal debt are essential to ensuring that growth remains strong and sustainable. Growth Beyond the Numbers Economic growth is often measured in percentages, but its real-world impact is much broader. Speakers at the conference were apt to point out that sustained growth improves lives in tangible ways. It can create jobs, raise wages, and help businesses thrive during times of uncertainty. It also fuels innovation and increases productivity, which in turn leads to power prices and more choices for consumers. For instance, a modest increase in productivity – only 0.5% – could reduce the federal deficit by $1.2 trillion over the next decade. This demonstrates how powerful even small improvements can be over time. Economic growth is more than numbers on a page; it’s about giving all Americans the opportunity to succeed. Moving Forward Together As the conference wrapped up, it was very clear that the road ahead will require collaboration, innovation, and most importantly, shared political will. With the right policies in place, the business community can drive the kind of growth, even when incremental, that benefits everyone. But it will take all of us – business leaders, policymakers, and citizens – to ensure that the future we create is one of opportunity, prosperity, and shared success. Take a deep dive into the Chamber's impact on the South Sound, and delivery on its commitments from 2024. The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber (TPCC) proudly presents its 2024 Annual Impact Report, a comprehensive look at its efforts to drive economic vitality, advocate for businesses, and foster an inclusive and equitable South Sound. This year’s report highlights the Chamber’s deep commitment to empowering local businesses, supporting community leaders, and building resilient, sustainable growth across Tacoma-Pierce County.
“Every achievement in this report reflects our collective strength and shared purpose,” said Andrea Reay, President and Chief Executive Officer, TPCC. “We’re grateful to our members and partners who support our mission and enable us to champion a future where every business and individual can thrive in the South Sound.”
The Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber invites community members, stakeholders, and business leaders to explore the full 2024 Impact Report, available on the Chamber’s website. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
April 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
