CITY OF RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA
P R O C L A M A T I O N
Declaring November 26, 2022 as Small Business Saturday
WHEREAS, Small Business Saturday was established in 2009 by American Express to support small business es and local economies during the great recession and is celebrated two days after Thanksgiving Day to encourage holiday shopping at small and local establishments; and
WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are 32.5 million small businesses that employ 46.8% of employees in the private sector, represent 99.7% of firms with paid employees, and are responsible for 62% of net new jobs created since 1995; and
WHEREAS, 79% of consumers understand the importance of supporting the small businesses in their community on Small Business Saturday, 70% report the day makes them want to encourage other to shop small, independently -owned retailers, and 66% report that the day makes them want to shop small all year long; and
WHEREAS, on Small Business Saturday in 2021, 58% of shoppers reported they shopped online with a small business and 54% reported they dined or ordered takeout from a small restaurant, bar, or café; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond recognizes our over 2,500 small business owners and entrepreneurs, many of whom hire Richmond residents, procure products from local sources, and volunteer in our local communities , as pillars of our community and engines of economic growth that contribute to our health and success by creating new jobs, boosting our local economy, and generating tax revenue for critical municipal services; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond is grateful to community partners like the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Richmond Main Street Initiative, and the West Contra Costa County Council of Business and Industries who provide services, resources , and advocacy to foster growth in our business community, strengthen our local economy, and improve our quality of life.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED , that the Richmond City Council do es hereby declare November 26, 2022 as Small Business Saturday in the City of Richmond and urges community members to support small businesses and merchants throughout the year.
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Mayor Tom Butt
City of Richmond, California
November 15, 2022