Small Business Saturday is this weekend in Lenoir. Come get your Christmas shopping started and help support local business owners.
Mayor Joe Gibbons, on behalf of City Council, proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, to be Small Business Saturday in the city. Read the full proclamation below. Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011, Small Business Saturday puts a spotlight on small business owners and employees. It falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
City Councilman David Stevens is a co-owner of two small businesses in Lenoir - Smith, Stevens, and Ford, PA and Car Guys. He also owns properties in Downtown and around the city. Councilman Stevens said the Christmas shopping season is critical to the survival of many small businesses.
"A lot of local businesses and vendors count on holiday shopping to carry their business throughout the rest of the year," Councilman Stevens said. "Our local businesses are here for us every day of the year, and we should do everything we can to support them, especially during Christmas."
According to the SBA, there are 32.5 million small businesses in the United States. Small businesses make up 99.9% of all firms in the nation, and they employ 46.8% of private sector employees, which is about 61 million people.
Several small businesses have opened in Lenoir this year including Kids World, 4440 Ranch & Cattle Company, Wolf Moon Salt Cave and Stress Reduction Center, and The Rum Bar.
James and Crystal Powell opened Kids World earlier this year at 236 Morganton Blvd. Kids World has a lot of cool collectibles, toys, baby clothes, and more! | 
4440 Ranch & Cattle Company sells F1 Wagyu Beef that is pasture raised and grain fed right in Lenoir and Caldwell County. They sell to the public and local restaurants. Their store is located at 215 North Main St. |
Wolf Moon Salt Cave and Stress Reduction Center opened in Downtown Lenoir in July at 814 Harper Ave. In addition to salt cave sessions, Wolf Moon also offers a yoga studio, massage service, esthetician services, and acupuncture. | 
Taste of Havana opened The Rum Bar in the lower level of the restaurant in September. Located at 819 West Ave. NW, The Rum Bar serves a limited menu including appetizers, sandwiches, desserts, and drinks. |
Councilman Stevens said that the more we can shop local and support businesses in Lenoir, the better it is for the community.
"When our folks stay here and shop here, it helps our vendors and keeps money in our local economy," Councilman Stevens said. "That helps our small business owners, and it helps encourage more people to open more businesses to serve our residents. It's a win-win."
So, come to Lenoir this Saturday, and throughout the Christmas season, and #ShopSmall.
#DoMoreInLenoir
Some of Lenoir's small business owners pose with letters spelling out Shop Small to help promote Small Business Saturday in Lenoir. |
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY 2022
WHEREAS, the City of Lenoir, North Carolina, celebrates our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community; and
WHEREAS, according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 32.5 million small businesses in the United States, small businesses represent 99.7% of firms with paid employees, small businesses are responsible for 62% of net new jobs created since 1995, and small businesses employ 46.8% of the employees in the private sector in the United States; and
WHEREAS, 79% of consumers understand the importance of supporting the small businesses in their community on Small Business Saturday®, 70% report the day makes them want to encourage others to Shop Small®, independently-owned retailers, and 66% report that the day makes them want to Shop Small all year long; and
WHEREAS, 58% of shoppers reported they shopped online with a small business and 54% reported they dined or ordered takeout from a small restaurant, bar, or café on Small Business Saturday in 2021; and
WHEREAS, the City of Lenoir supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy, and preserve our communities; and
WHEREAS, advocacy groups, as well as public and private organizations, across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Joseph L. Gibbons, on behalf of the City of Lenoir City Council, do hereby proclaim November 26, 2022, as
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
and urge the residents of our community, and communities across the country, to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.
This the 14th day of November 2022.
Joseph L. Gibbons, Mayor