EDITORIAL: Small businesses are worth celebrating

It’s easy to get lost in all the special “weeks” that get observed during the year, but this week, which focuses on small business, recognizes a vital cog of our economy, both nationally and in Georgia.

How vital? A small business impact study released in 2015 by the University of Georgia includes some impressive numbers of small businesses’ influence on our state:

— Number of small businesses: 962,085;

— Small businesses with employees: 164,681;

— Employers that are small businesses: 97.7 percent;

— Number employed by small businesses: 1,500,510;

— Number employed in high-tech industry: 166,500;

— Portion of state’s known export volume attributable to small businesses: 33 percent;

— Small business sales: $40 billion.

Meanwhile, the 2016 profile by the U.S. Small Business Administration noted that 56 percent of Georgia’s businesses had less than 500 employees, with 12.4 percent employing 100-499, 15.5 percent employing 20-99, and 16.1 percent employing 19 or fewer.

Collectively, the businesses are providing their employees with a means to live, supporting local schools and governments, providing goods and services to consumers both in Georgia and outside the state, and playing a critical role in keeping the state’s economic engine churning. There’s no set pathway to ensure success. Rather than a wide, smooth road, the travel can be bumpy and require clearing out a new trail. Each business has to forge its own path, not an easy task, particularly in recent years.

Metro Albany and Southwest Georgia are not exceptions. We have our own unique challenges, but we also are fortunate to have people in our area with vision and drive to continue moving forward.

It’s a good time, as well, to remember that the folks who run these small businesses and the folks they employ are our neighbors. Many are friends or acquaintances, while others might be strangers, but we all share one thing in common — a successful, vibrant small business community improves everyone’s lot. That’s one thing to keep in mind when you’re making a purchase. Shopping locally places money in the local economy, which helps make the area economically healthier.

This week, take a minute to think about what small business means to you and our community. As our community celebrates small businesses, why not visit one? Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve been in a locally owned shop or store. This would be a good time to drop by and see what’s new. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

— The Albany Herald Editorial Board