Supporting Our Local Businesses

President Donald Trump issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 20-26, 2020 as National Small Business Week. "Our nation's more than 30 million small businesses, which employ nearly half the private-sector workforce and create two-thirds of all net new jobs, are the key to propelling our economy to the prosperity levels America has enjoyed over the past three years," the president wrote. As many of these small businesses struggle to stay open after COVID-19, this national declaration is an important reminder to support our community-owned businesses.

Arkansas alone has almost 245,000 small businesses that make up approximately 99.3 percent of the total businesses in the state. The people who own and operate these businesses are our friends and neighbors, and our communities wouldn't be the same without them. Even the smallest purchase can make a huge difference to a small business owner, and following their social media pages and telling your friends about your favorite stores can increase their sales as well.

As I've traveled around the Fourth District this year thanking those who kept us going during COVID-19, I got to visit some small businesses that adapted to safety requirements and other pandemic restrictions and continued serving their communities. The men and women behind these stores are a cornerstone of American infrastructure, and I'm so glad to give them my full support. During Small Business Week – and every week – we stand behind our local shops!