P R O C L A M A T I O N
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SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
WHEREAS, there are currently 30.7 million small businesses in the United States, representing 99.7 percent of all firms with paid employees in the United States, which are responsible for 64.9 percent of net new jobs created from 2000 to 2018, and
WHEREAS, 94 percent of consumers in the United States agree that small businesses contribute positively to the local and national communities by supplying jobs and generating tax revenue; and 89 percent agree that it is important for people to support the small businesses that they value in their community; and
WHEREAS, 96 percent of consumers who plan to shop on Small Business Saturday said the day inspires them to go to small, independently-owned retailers or restaurants that they have not been to before, or would not have otherwise tried; and
WHEREAS, 92 percent of companies planning promotions on Small Business Saturday said the day helps their business stand out during the busy holiday shopping season; and 59% of small business owners said it contributes significantly to their holiday sales each year; and
WHEREAS, since 2002 Arlington has supported over 53,000 small business enterprises through its entrepreneurial program BizLaunch, which created approximately 172,000 jobs; with BizLaunch and BizLaunch en Español dedicated to supporting over 5,000 businesses each year by developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem; and
WHEREAS, Arlington is comprised of 189 certified small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses, is committed to working with diverse businesses equally throughout the County, and supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy and preserve our neighborhoods;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christian Dorsey, Chair of the County Board of Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim November 30, 2019, as
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
and urge the residents of our community to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.
Christian Dorsey
Chair