(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Driving through downtown, there is a unique element in recognizing the wide range of locally run businesses that fill the streets. From good books to cozy sweatshirts and even vibrant tattoos, these establishments have a little something of everything for the southern Colorado community.

Several of these local treasures have been around for decades like Poor Richard’s, which opened its doors in 1977 and is a unique blend of a restaurant and bookstore. Richard Skorman, alongside his wife, are the owners of Poor Richard’s and have seen the business evolve into four different entities.

“It’s very important that people support small businesses, and you know there are lots of times where you have to go to a national chain or go to Amazon or whatever but we give back more to the community,” Skorman said. “They say $0.06 of every dollar that people spend in the small business stays in the community.”

In the heart of Colorado Springs, these mom-and-pop shops have stood strong despite the challenges that might come their way. These businesses not only contribute to the city’s unique character but also show a sense of community and supportive spirit among them.

“There’s a lot of small business owners and downtown, I think, is 90% small business,” Skorman explained. “We are friends… with our competitors downtown, we all help each other out and it’s a nice feeling, really, of all of us working together.”

Heebee Jeebees Tattoos also has been serving southern Colorado for decades, helping bring the creative visions of customers to life in ink. On Wednesday morning, Rick Keene, one of the tattoo artists, could be found hard at work, fulfilling those dreams.

“I think it is the people, like, I definitely enjoy that,” Keene said. “We have a lot of military people in this town too. I’d say a big majority of my clientele [is] of military people… it’s cool to hear the stories.”

Welcoming both new and longtime customers to the store holds significant value for Keene, who cherishes the opportunity to work at a place that has been a part of the community for generations.

“Our owner, Karen Knight, she has been a tattoo shop owner and owner of Heebee Jeebees for over 30 years now,” Keene said. “I think we just had 31 years, actually, so it’s pretty cool to be able to work at a place that’s been around for so long.”

Mayor Yemi Mobolade signed a proclamation on Wednesday morning at the Catalyst Campus Harvey House, recognizing April 29 to May 3 as the official small business week in Colorado Springs.

“Our small businesses and our small business owners are the backbone of our economy,” Mobolade said. “What I mean is, in the same way, the spine gives structure and support to the body, small businesses give structure and support to our entire city.”

This week also serves as an opportunity to show these small businesses just how valued they are within the southern Colorado community.

“Let our small business owners and let our small business people know that you see them, and you care for them,” Mobolade said. “If you have a favorite restaurant, maybe you go this week. If you have a favorite barber hairstylist,… go support, send a message, send emails.”

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