Guest Commentary: Shopping small is an investment in our community

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Guest Commentary: Shopping small is an investment in our community
JONEL HEIN

As we mark Small Business Saturday, Dec. 2, this year, it’s a poignant time to celebrate the resilience and diversity of North Florida’s small businesses, especially in light of their remarkable response to the pandemic’s challenges.

These businesses are more than economic contributors; they’re the cultural and social bedrock of our neighborhoods. They reflect our community’s diverse character, offering unique products, services and experiences.

From family-owned shops to innovative startups, these enterprises encapsulate the entrepreneurial spirit that is so characteristic of Florida.

Supporting small businesses goes beyond transactions. It’s about investing in our community, championing our friends and neighbors, and nurturing our shared future. Each purchase is a commitment to a thriving, resilient community.

Throughout the pandemic, these businesses didn’t just endure; they stood as pillars of hope and innovation, often spearheading efforts to support those in need.

In my role with the Small Business Administration’s North Florida District Office in Jacksonville, I’ve seen the grit and creativity of these entrepreneurs. They are more than business owners; they are artists, inventors and community builders, offering personal touches and experiences that large corporations can’t match.

Small Business Saturday isn’t just a day for shopping; it’s a celebration of our collective spirit and strength. It’s an acknowledgment of the essential role these businesses play in our lives. They create jobs, bolster local economies, and add vibrancy to our neighborhoods.

This Small Business Saturday, let us unite in support of the diverse range of small businesses in North Florida. Let’s acknowledge their contributions, celebrate their stories, and look forward to a future filled with promise and prosperity.

Every dollar spent at a small business is a reaffirmation of our community’s health and vitality. It’s an endorsement of the dreams and aspirations that fuel our local entrepreneurs. Let’s shop, dine, and celebrate the businesses that make North Florida unique.

Join me in supporting our local entrepreneurs this Small Business Saturday and every day. Together, we can foster a stronger, more vibrant community.

— Hein is the district director of the SBA’s North Florida District Office.

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Raised in Miami Beach, Margie moved to DeLand after graduating from Florida State University. She has a master's degree in community mental-health counseling, and retired after 12 years in substance-abuse treatment. Having worked at the DeLand Sun News during the 1980s, Margie came to The Beacon in 2002 in search of a second career. She helps the reporters; compiles obituaries, the calendar of events and religion news; and deals with a mountain of emails each day. Margie is the proud Nana to two grandchildren, Sophia and Alex.

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