Shop local and small. Urge Congress to help small business recover.
Small businesses are among the hardest hit by the current health crisis and government-mandated shutdowns, and if ever there was a year to shop local and shop small, this is it. Small Business Saturday is November 28, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
“Small businesses all across America have experienced a year unlike any other – from a global pandemic to government-mandated economic shutdowns, small businesses continue to face significant challenges,” said NFIB President Brad Close.
The NFIB Research Center’s latest survey on the impact COVID-19 has had on small businesses, found if eligible, about 75 percent of small businesses reported they would apply or consider applying for a second Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. About half of owners anticipate needing additional financial support over the next 12 months.
NFIB continues to fight for Congressional action on COVID-19 liability protections, restoring the deductibility of PPP loan forgiven expenses, and a second, targeted round of PPP to help businesses avoid layoffs and keep their doors open as the health crisis continues.
But there are simple steps everyone can take to help small businesses get through this:
- Shop local and shop small. Not just on Small Business Saturday and the holiday season but year-round. National brands make a big deal out of their holiday sales, but local shops and restaurants offer deals – and exceptional personal and friendly service – that you won’t find at the chains.
- Shop small businesses online or order by phone. If you can’t shop in person or want to avoid crowds, take advantage of local delivery or curbside pickup. Or buy gift cards and gift certificates you can redeem once things get back to normal.
- Take-out, pickup, and delivery. Remember that all kinds of eateries – from pizza places to fancy sit-down restaurants – offer take-out, curbside pickup, and, increasingly, delivery. If you want to sit down with your family and friends at your favorite restaurant after the pandemic is over, you must support them now – and don’t forget to tip your server or delivery driver.
Small Business Owners Need Congress to Put Aside Disagreements and Pass Key Legislation
Small and independent businesses account for nearly half of U.S. private-sector GDP and close to half of private-sector employment. While Small Business Saturday is an easy way for all Americans to support these job creators, the Americans serving in Congress must do more.
“Small businesses are doing everything they can to keep their workers employed and their doors open during this ongoing public health crisis,” said Kevin Kuhlman, Vice President, Federal Government Relations at NFIB. “Despite their best efforts and determination, current economic conditions are putting significant stress on small businesses. We urge Members of Congress to set aside their disagreements on unrelated policies and pass this legislation to help small businesses immediately. Small businesses everywhere are counting on it.”
TAKE ACTION: Use our action alert links below to send a message to your representatives in Congress, and urge their action on key small business issues:
- Restore the deductibility of PPP loan forgiven expenses
- Provide a second, targeted round of PPP
- Establish COVID-19 liability protections
- Keep small business regulatory burdens out of the National Defense bill (NDAA)
NFIB’s action alerts make it quick and easy to send your legislators an email, with a draft message for you to send-as-is or personalize with your specific circumstances.
