The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce is promoting an event to support small businesses in a small pocket of the county in Harlem.
Co-sponsored by Downtown Harlem, and the Harlem Merchants Association, “Heart of Harlem, Shop Small, Support Local” is set for Sat., Nov. 30.
“But obviously, we’re all very familiar with the holiday season, Black Friday and that weekend after Thanksgiving as being the big shopping weekend,” Russell Lahodny, President and CEO of the Columbia County Chamber, explained for ABD. “Shop, Small Saturday is just that, that initiative to remember to buy local, shop local, and support your local businesses.”
The Facebook invitation said shoppers would enjoy vendors, food trucks, and community favorites. Offerings will include handcrafted goods and unique gifts not available in big box stores and major retailers. The sponsors said, in addition to creating jobs and supporting families, it highlights Harlem’s charm and resilience.
“When you shop small, you’re not just buying a product; you’re investing in your neighbors, building a stronger local economy, and helping Harlem continue to grow and thrive. Every dollar spent here goes back into making our town a beautiful, welcoming place we’re proud to call home,” read the invitation.
This is one of two initiatives devoted to small businesses that the Columbia County Chamber has helped to promote this month. Earlier, it had shared information about a grant program sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and American Express. It accepted applications from small businesses hurt by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Successful applicants will receive a $5,000 grant.
“It’s not significant, but it’s not insignificant either, from the standpoint of a small business who maybe had to pay wages for that week that they were closed, and they have no way to recover that,” said Lahodny. “I think this is a great opportunity for the U.S. Chamber Foundation and American Express to kind of help out small businesses.”
Lahodny said these two programs are at the heart of what Chambers of Commerce do in their communities.
“You talk about every community, the majority of jobs and the majority of businesses are small and medium-sized businesses,” he said. “Our membership reflects that, so whatever we can do to support them and grow that piece of pie for our small and local businesses, that’s really why we’re here. “The large companies, the large corporations, they’re doing their thing, but we need to make sure that the small businesses get the recognition and the support that they need. This is the right time. It’s that shopping season, so it’s a great initiative.”
Shop Small Saturday in Harlem will run from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on November 30. Like the grant program, Shop Small Saturday is the brainchild of American Express. It was started in 2010 and is celebrating its 15th year.
Learn more about Shop Small Saturday and how to participate at www.uschamber.com/toolkit/shop-small-business
