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Despite the competition from large retailers, small businesses are thriving and still make up 99.7% of U.S. employer firms. The cumulative impact of independently owned small businesses on the economy is impressive. Small businesses provide over 50% of jobs in the US and account for 64% of the net new jobs created between 1993 and 2011.

Here are some tips on how you can play a role in supporting our local economy and do your part in supporting all of the local businesses in the community.

• Buy from local businesses rather than national brands.
• Shop at your local farmer’s market
• Write and publish a positive review
• Use local small businesses for home services
• “Check in” on social media when you use a small business.
• When buying gifts, consider buying a local gift card as a way to introduce a new customer to them.
• Refer friends to these businesses! Share great experience with a local business.
• Write a thank you note – if you had great service or have seen a business donate to a local fundraiser, write a note of thanks.
• Follow small business accounts on social media and share, like and comment on their posts.
• If you have a specialized skill or are interested in volunteering, ask the business owners you know if you can volunteer help

Please remember that small businesses are not just places where you shop but are also those who take care of our community, who look after our cars and boats, clean and maintain our homes, take care of our elderly and children, do landscaping, move our furniture and provide many, other services and they need your support too

Any of these intentional acts to help promote your local businesses will be greatly appreciated. They only take a minute or two of your time, but help make a huge difference for our small businesses

We can support our local entrepreneurs in many ways that will positively impact and support our community as a whole.

Keith Hudson is CEO of the Pamlico Business Resource Center, a non-profit organization. which will be located in downtown Washington, NC.