The idea behind Small Business Saturday is one we can fully endorse! Check back soon for some holiday deals of our own. …
FRANKFORT, Ky. – First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. In 2010, the first Small Business Saturday took place the first weekend after Thanksgiving – and today it has grown into a national movement in support of small businesses and the shop small movement, a grassroots effort to drive shoppers to local merchants.
This year, Small Business Saturday will be Nov. 29, the highlight of many holiday events and activities planned and already underway in Kentucky Main Street Program (KYMS) communities. KYMS was created in 1979 to help reverse the economic decline that had taken place in many small communities as retailers and housing began to move away from downtown.
“Small Business Saturday fits perfectly with the goals of Kentucky Main Street because our focus is local, independent, small business owners,” said Kitty Dougoud, KYMS state coordinator. “Supporting friends, neighbors and local artisans keeps dollars in the community and creates a thriving downtown.”
Administered by the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office, the mission of Kentucky Main Street has been to focus on downtown revitalization and economic development within the context of preserving and reusing unique local assets, such as historic commercial buildings. KYMS requires local commitment and financial support in exchange for technical and design assistance, on-site visits, a resource center, national consultants and grant funding opportunities. Today, 22 programs are accredited and another 23 are designated.
Kentucky is fortunate to have many communities that have distinctive downtowns with large stocks of historic buildings uniquely suited for the restaurants, boutiques and businesses found there. These locally owned enterprises often feature Kentucky Crafted or Kentucky Proud products, specialize in Kentucky-made artwork and jewelry, or feature books on Kentucky history, architecture and cultural traditions.
