Augustans might notice balloons and signs outside of certain retailers downtown this week.
The city is participating in the annual National Small Business Week to recognize the economic importance of small businesses.
With more than 33 million small businesses in the U.S., they account for over 99.9% of all businesses in the country and employ almost half of America’s private sector, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Augusta’s 10Twenty-Eight, a membership business center and luxury networking lounge, and the Downtown Development Authority are teaming up to “give a spotlight to small businesses during a week when the nation is watching what they’re doing,” said Natonia Tillman, CEO of 10Twenty-Eight.
From Monday through Wednesday, camera crews will be visiting small businesses to allow the founders to share their stories and products. Alvin Watson of bike-touring company Bike Bike Baby will conduct the interviews, which will be posted online.
Small businesses that want to be interviewed can contact Tillman at 803-221-5747.
On Monday evening, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., a virtual small business gathering will take place with prizes and giveaways to help owners get connected and build their brand awareness, Tillman said. Those wanting to join in can contact Tillman for the link.
On Tuesday at 2 p.m. Augusta city leaders will recognize the celebratory week during its city commission meeting at the Municipal Building on Telfair Street.
On Friday, small businesses will close out the week with First Friday activities from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tillman said small businesses can keep up with the week’s activities via the Facebook event page.
This is Tillman’s first year trying to get a series of organized activities together for the week, she said.
“I couldn’t find a collective initiative of anything going on in the area to highlight small businesses, which are viable and thriving, so I decided to start something,” she said. “I anticipate it to grow a lot for the next year.”
While inflationary pressures, supply chain shortages and hiring challenges have hit businesses large and small, Americans are still jumping into the risky business of entrepreneurship.
Since 2021, nearly 12 million Americans applied to start new businesses, according to remarks in honor of National Small Business Week from U.S. Small Business Administration administrator Isabella Guzman.
“Small businesses are the heart and soul of America’s economic engine and the realization of the American Dream for millions of entrepreneurs,” Guzman said. “National Small Business Week is an opportunity to loudly and proudly celebrate their achievements and the essential contributions they make to communities across the country.”
