WHEREAS, Hennepin County celebrates our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community; according to the United States Census Bureau, there are over 39,000 small businesses with under 100 employees in Hennepin County, they represent over 96% of all firms with paid employees in Hennepin County, are responsible for approximately 65% of net new jobs created from 2000 to 2019; and
WHEREAS, small businesses in Hennepin County are facing extraordinary challenges due to COVID-19 and civil unrest, and local consumers are currently looking for ways to spend money locally to support their community; and
WHEREAS, 97% of consumers who shopped on Small Business Saturday agree that small businesses are essential to their community, and 96% agree that shopping at small, independently-owned businesses supports their commitment to making purchases that have a positive social, economic, and environmental impact; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County has partnered with cities and business districts on marketing campaigns and public space improvements through the Love Local Initiative, which encourages public health and safety practices while supporting our local businesses that create jobs, boost the local economy, and make our communities vibrant and livable; and
WHEREAS, advocacy groups, as well as public and private organizations, across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday.