Give thanks to South Carolina’s small businesses by shopping local

As we gather to give thanks, let’s remember the small businesses that do so much for South Carolina. Their owners create jobs, support local causes and give our neighborhoods places to shop, eat and meet friends.

Big retailers draw plenty of attention with their Black Friday sales. But our local shops and restaurants deserve a place in our holiday plans, too.

That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to shop small on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28. It’s a chance to show our thanks to these businesses while finding gifts and enjoying meals close to home and make our holiday gifts list a little easier to tackle.

A local shop might carry handmade jewelry, pottery made nearby or treats from a family recipe. A restaurant’s gift card can give someone a night out, while a local bakery can help you bring something special to a holiday gathering.

Then there’s the help you get along the way.

At a small business, you may be talking with the owner who picked out everything on the shelf. They know their products and can help you compare choices, find the right size or think of a gift you hadn’t considered.

As South Carolina state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, I hear from owners who put their savings, time and energy into serving their customers. They know you have choices. Earning your trust and giving you a reason to return matters to them.

That’s important, because small business is the backbone of South Carolina’s economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, South Carolina is home to more than 530,000 small businesses, representing 99.4% of all businesses in the state. Together, they employ more than 863,000 South Carolinians, accounting for nearly 43% of our private-sector workforce.

Those numbers tell an important story. When we support small businesses, we're supporting the jobs, families and communities that make South Carolina such a special place to live.

Small businesses pay wages that help our neighbors buy groceries, cover housing costs and pay other bills. Owners also pay taxes that support schools, roads and public services.

And when a small business needs something, it may turn to another local business.

A restaurant might hire a nearby repair service to fix a refrigerator. A shop might use a local printer for signs or a bookkeeper to manage its accounts. Shopping small helps support those connections and the people who depend on them.

We see that same spirit when owners sponsor a youth sports team, donate to a school fundraiser or help a local charity. These are people who have a stake in the community’s future.

Small Business Saturday gives us a chance to support local businesses during the holidays. But one busy day can only do so much. Owners still have bills to pay and jobs to fill long after the holiday rush.

Congress can give small businesses one less thing to worry about. A federal rule now exempts businesses formed in the U.S. from beneficial ownership information reporting, which requires certain companies to tell the government who owns or controls them. The law behind that requirement, the Corporate Transparency Act, is still on the books. My organization, the National Federation of Independent Business, is asking Congress to repeal it so the filing requirement can’t return for U.S. businesses under that law.

Here at home, one of the best things we can do is keep coming back. Steady sales help local owners plan ahead, keep people working and serve their customers year-round.

If you find a shop you like in November, remember it when you need a birthday or anniversary gift. If you enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, go back with friends. Keep independent florists, bakeries and repair services in mind when you need them.

You may also find that shopping small fits your schedule better than you expect. Check a business’s website or call to ask about online ordering, pickup or delivery.

And you can show support without making another purchase. Tell a friend about a good experience, leave an honest review or share a business’s social media post. A recommendation can help an owner reach a new customer.

Giving thanks is part of this season. Shopping small is one way to put that gratitude into action.

On Nov. 28, visit a favorite local store, try one you haven’t explored or enjoy a meal at an independent restaurant. Then keep coming back. Supporting the businesses that serve South Carolina is something we can do all year.

Ben Homeyer is the South Carolina state director of the National Federation of Independent Business.