County Executive Neuhaus encourages residents to shop local on Small Business Saturday

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus is asking residents and visitors alike to take part in Small Business Saturday in Orange County on Saturday, Nov. 30.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Orange County’s growing and vibrant economy,” Neuhaus said. “When you shop locally, you are boosting the economy and strengthening the fabric of the community. Orange County has a thriving business community and we will continue to support and encourage our local businesses. I encourage residents to support our neighborhood shops and restaurants, not just on Small Business Saturday, but throughout the entire year.”

There are approximately 9,000 small businesses in Orange County and for every $100 spent locally, $73 stays in the economy.

There are 30.2 million small businesses in the United States, accounting for 99.9 percent of U.S. businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy.

U.S. small businesses employ approximately 58.9 million people, accounting for 47.5 percent of the private workforce.

Small Business Saturday is held nationally every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is dedicated to supporting the local businesses that are a critical component of the health and success of our communities and economies.

Launched in 2010 and placed on Facebook at facebook.com/shopsmall, SBS received 1.2 million ‘likes’ in its first month. The U. S. Senate officially recognized Small Business Saturday in 2011.