Small businesses are “the engine that drives our economy.”

And for no small reason.

Alabama’s 422,518 small businesses make up 99.4% of the state and employ 818,234 people – 46% of all Alabama employees.

They are our neighbors, friends, relatives and employers and employees.

To recognize the importance of small businesses, Gov. Ivey proclaimed Saturday as Small Business Saturday.

“Small Business Saturday serves as an important reminder of the immense value our local businesses bring to our state,” she said. “These enterprises play a pivotal role in our state’s economy, driving innovation, providing employment and preserving the vitality of our communities.

“I encourage all Alabamians to spend locally Saturday. To put plainly, when you support an Alabama small business, you invest in our communities, our state and our people.”

While today is Black Friday, state officials stress the importance of keeping local dollars local.

“… Black Friday holds its own significance; however, I earnestly implore you to reserve a portion of your resources for supporting small businesses on Saturday, by shopping small in your communities as this will not only positively impact small businesses but entire communities,” said U.S. Small Business Administration Alabama District Director Thomas Todt.

“I want to thank Governor Ivey for supporting Main Street shops and restaurants by proclaiming the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday in Alabama,” said Rosemary Elebash, National Federation of Independent Businesses Alabama State Director. “Small business is the engine that drives our economy. When we support locally owned shops and restaurants, we support our friends and neighbors. We support the businesses that create jobs, sponsor our kids’ sports teams, and give to local charities.

“And when you shop at a small business, there’s a good chance you’re dealing directly with the owner, someone with a vested interest in turning you from a seasonal shopper to someone who comes back throughout the year.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.