Alabama’s small business community is continuing its trend of massive growth with over 449,000 small businesses now calling the state home. That number represents 99.4% of all businesses in the entire state currently.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2024 Small Business Profile, these businesses employ 802,607 Alabamians, representing 46.7% of Alabama’s workforce.
In a statement released Tuesday, Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed the Saturday after Thanksgiving to be “Small Business Saturday” in Alabama and urged residents to consider doing their holiday shopping at local businesses to support a vital part of the state’s economy.
“The Saturday after Thanksgiving is a time when many of us gather with family and friends, often to enjoy one of Alabama’s great traditions, the Iron Bowl,” said Governor Ivey. “As you prepare for the holiday season – and perhaps for the big game – I encourage everyone to take a moment to visit local small businesses. It’s a great way to celebrate the season, support your community, and make this weekend a win for our great state.”
Ivey emphasized that each purchase matters to the local businesses in the state.
“Shopping local supports Alabama’s hardworking families, sustains jobs and fuels the workforce that keeps our communities growing. We want to keep our local businesses thriving here at home and on the world stage.”
Additionally, in 2022, Alabama’s small businesses were responsible for creating 41,091 new jobs, accounting for early 80% of the state’s total net job growth.
“Wishing you all a joyful holiday season and thank you for supporting Alabama’s small businesses and employees – both on Small Business Saturday and year-round,” said Alabama District Director Thomas Todt. “In a world where shopping once felt personal, many small businesses still cherish that connection with customers. Please continue to keep small in your shopping plans.”
The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), the state’s leading small business advocacy organization, thanked Ivey for the Small Business Saturday proclamation.
“On behalf of our small business members, I want to thank Governor Ivey for declaring November 30 as Small Business Saturday in Alabama and recognizing the vital role local businesses play in our state’s economy,” said Elebash. “Every dollar spent at a local business helps create jobs, boost the economy and build stronger communities. It’s estimated that 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the community, generating an additional 50 cents in local business activity as businesses and workers shop locally.”
Alabama small businesses also play a critical role in global commerce, with over 3,300 small businesses exporting $4.4 billion worth of goods internationally, comprising 17.7% of Alabama’s total exports.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.