Supporting the small business in your community during National Small Business Week

For over 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has organized and hosted National Small Business Week (NSBW) during the first week of May. With over 32.5 million small businesses employing 61.2 million employees across the country in 2021, Todd County Development Corporation recognizes the importance of small businesses and their contributions to the economic well-being of the community.

The hard-working and innovative small business owners of Todd County contribute to the vibrancy and character of our community while employing many of our residents. It is these locally owned businesses that help to define our community and shape its entrepreneurial spirit. NSB Week is an opportunity to celebrate their success and offer our appreciation.

Small businesses make communities like Todd County an enjoyable place to visit and live in. When people visit Todd County, they are likely to enjoy the area, a place “where the forests meet the prairie”.  Todd County has a rich agricultural heritage and abundant recreational opportunities side by side. Our agricultural and value-add industries serve as a strong backbone to a growing mix of other sectors. We have our local business owners to thank for that.

Instead of shopping at a major store, you could visit a local boutique or gift shop to buy gifts for your friends and family. Consider dining at a local cafe or restaurant instead of heading to a chain restaurant. Here are a few more ways that you can show your appreciation for your local small business:

• Shop local. Before buying an item from a large retailer or corporation, search your community to determine if a local retailer offers the same product or service. Show your support for your local community by purchasing from local businesses. Most companies have an option to order online and pick it up at the store for even more convenience when shopping local.
• Be social. Support small businesses in your community by talking about them on social media, writing positive reviews, posting positive photos, and tagging the business in your posts. Promoting these businesses through social channels works as good “word of mouth” communication and helps to enhance their digital presence.
• Participate in community events. Farmers’ markets, networking events, community celebrations, and national holiday celebrations are great opportunities to support locally-owned small businesses, meet your community and learn what local businesses offer. These will go a long way in strengthening your local business community.
• Offer assistance. Be generous with any help you can provide to a small business. If you have technical or skilled expertise, you could think of offering your services to small businesses in your community at a discounted rate. Offer recommendations and make use of your network if you see a local business struggling to recoup, especially after the pandemic.

Todd County Development Corporation (TCDC) is designated as a North Central Regional “Small Business Development Center” (SBDC) Outreach Office, providing “FREE” business technical services to pre-venture and existing businesses.  The TCDC SBDC office is part of the North Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center located in the Business and Industry Center at Central Lakes College, Brainerd.  We provide free professional consultation for your project or idea in confidence, work with you to determine the type or level of technical assistance required, and determine the resources needed to help make your project a success.  Our partner resources can be identified and put to work to help your business project succeed.  We additionally offer “Going Into Business” classes that will help get you on the right track to success.

Are you a small business owner in Todd County, or looking to start one? To take advantage of our SBDC services provided at no cost to you, please contact Rick Utech at (320)-732-2128 or at rick.utech@co.todd.mn.us. Or drop us a line here.