The local lifeblood: Small businesses bring more than jobs to communities

Small businesses are often referred to as the lifeblood of a local community.

Often times, you see their names blazed on the front of local T-ball and youth basketball leagues.

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According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are more than 32 million small businesses throughout the country.

“National Small Business Week is a time to honor and celebrate America’s entrepreneurs and innovative startups. This year’s theme, ‘Building a Better America through Entrepreneurship,’ celebrates the resiliency and tenacity of America’s entrepreneurs who are doing their part to power our nation’s historic economic comeback,” said U.S. Small Business Administration's Administrator Isabel Guzman in a press release.

According to Martinsville Chamber of Commerce President Jamie Taylor, small businesses offer many benefits to the communities they operate in.

"Businesses benefit the local tax base, taking some of the burden off the shoulders of our citizens," Taylor said in an email to the Reporter-Times. "The increased tax base also provides funds for infrastructure improvements (roads, sewers, water, gas, electric and high-speed fiber) and can be used for things like parks and trails and other amenities that make Martinsville a great place to live."

Beginning Sunday and running through Saturday, May 7, the country will celebrate National Small Business Week in order to recognize local operations throughout the United States.

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Taylor noted it's important for local residents to support the small businesses in their community.

"Many of our small businesses, particularly the 'Mom & Pop' retail shops and restaurants, would not be sustainable without the support of local residents," Taylor said. "These small businesses are the ones that sponsor the many nonprofit organizations and events, engage in volunteerism and purchase from local vendors whenever possible."

While Martinsville's landscape may make attracting big businesses to the city, especially those that require buildings with a large footprint, Taylor believes the area is a good fit for small businesses.

"(W)e do have smaller parcels that would be a good fit for smaller tech and life science businesses," Taylor wrote. "I think that we have a good support system in place to welcome these businesses. I am excited that within the next couple of years, we will be able to claim the title of 'Gig City' which will be a great talking point to attract young professionals."

Taylor said the chamber is working with Martinsville Mayor Kenny Costin and his administration to attract more businesses to the city.

In recent years, owning and operating a business, particularly a small business, has been difficult due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The chamber, however, saw the entrepreneurial spirit kick in and thrive amongst many of the business owners during the pandemic.

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"We are so proud of the many small businesses in Martinsville and Morgan County for their resilience and tenacity in dealing with the pandemic," Taylor said. "Of course, many businesses struggled, but it was so inspiring to see the entrepreneurial spirit come alive as business owners pivoted to very different business models that included online ordering, curbside and carryout services, personal shopping, and more. We have been encouraged that many of these practices are still in place, providing more options for their customers."

In celebration of both National Small Business Week and National Travel and Tourism Week, the Reporter-Times, Martinsville Chamber of Commerce and Visit Morgan County have collaborated on a series of stories about local small businesses with connection to the tourism industry.

Contact Reporter-Times editor Lance Gideon at lgideon@reporter-times.com or 765-342-1543. Follow him on Twitter: @LanceOGideon.

This article originally appeared on The Reporter Times: Martinsville Chamber of Commerce discusses importance of small businesses