The Lenoir Community College Small Business Center is located inside the Kinston Enterprise Center at 327 N. Queen St. Photo by Neuse News

Nestled between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday® has quickly become a nationally recognized day to support local independent merchants and restaurants with the power of local dollars. 

Small Business Saturday® was founded by American Express in 2010 as a day to celebrate local businesses through the holiday shopping season. The day has since grown into a powerful movement in support of local small businesses every day and everywhere. 

Greg Hannibal, Director of the Small Business Center and Microenterprise Programs at Lenoir Community College says that “by making a conscious effort to support the small businesses in our neighborhoods, we enhance their ability to continue to provide the valuable services that keep our local economic culture alive”.

According to American Express, 2018 U.S. consumers reported spending of an estimated $17.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on the day to #shopsmall, Small Business Saturday®. 

Operating a small business requires passion, dedication, determination, and a positive attitude. This spirit can be summed up by Elmer Starkey, owner of the Ziggy Dogs hot dog shop at 401 South Queen Street in downtown Kinston, who insists that for him, owning a small business is ”…a dream coming together.”

Small Business Saturday® is a chance to support the local small businesses that provide economic vitality and quality of life to communities. The Lenoir Community College Small Business Center encourages shopping local and shopping small, November 30th. Help make a lasting impact in the place you call home, #shopsmall Small Business Saturday®.

Thinking about starting a business in Lenoir County or growing an existing business? Take advantage of the programs, services, and resources provided by the Lenoir Community College Small Business Center. The NC Community College’s Small Business Center Network facilitates an economic impact in 90 percent of all NC counties each year and ranks number one in the U.S. for total business seminars and participants. In addition, the network helps start an average of over 700 businesses every year and works to create and retain 3,800 jobs annually for North Carolina. Visit ncsbc.net for more information.