The Hawaii County Council recently honored the East Hawaii chapter of the Small Business Development Center for its efforts in raising awareness about the importance of supporting small businesses on the Big Island.

On Nov. 2, the council presented SBDC Hilo office staff with a certificate in recognition of its work promoting the annual nationwide “Shop Small” campaign. Small Business Saturday takes place the Saturday following Thanksgiving to encourage people to shop locally and raise awareness of the benefits of spending money at area businesses all year. This year’s Small Business Saturday is Nov. 25.

Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday has grown as more people seek alternatives to the frenetic shopping typical at big box stores on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

While the emphasis is on small businesses, the impact to the local economy can be substantial.

According to a 2014 report by Localism by the Numbers, independent retailers keep 48 percent more money in their local economy than national chains, while independent restaurants help keep 65 percent more money locally.

This additional money in the local economy leads to more employment, wages, charitable giving and additional sales occurring in the community.

The SBDC Hilo office helps East Hawaii small businesses start, grow and thrive through no-cost business advising, training classes and business research. Twice a month it hosts a Business Action Center during which entrepreneurs can register a new business with the state and attend training classes that cover topics such as how to write a business plan and how to use social media to grow your business.

For years, SBDC Hilo has encouraged East Hawaii business owners to take advantage of the national outreach campaign surrounding Small Business Saturday.

Last year, SBDC Hilo launched a Small Business Saturday Passport Initiative with nine participating Hilo businesses. Shoppers visiting each of the nine participating stores had a chance to win a prize basket valued at more than $200.

The growing number of organizations involved in promoting Small Business Saturday include the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii, Manono Street Marketplace, Honoka‘a Business Association, Pahoa Main Street Association and Honomu store owners.

Each organization will host its own event, such as the Japanese Chamber’s shop-around with prizes for participants.

For more information about Small Business Saturday or SBDC-Hilo, call 933-0776 or visit www.hisbdc.org.

The Hawaii County Council recently honored the East Hawaii chapter of the Small Business Development Center for its efforts in raising awareness about the importance of supporting small businesses on the Big Island.

On Nov. 2, the council presented SBDC Hilo office staff with a certificate in recognition of its work promoting the annual nationwide “Shop Small” campaign. Small Business Saturday takes place the Saturday following Thanksgiving to encourage people to shop locally and raise awareness of the benefits of spending money at area businesses all year. This year’s Small Business Saturday is Nov. 25.

Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday has grown as more people seek alternatives to the frenetic shopping typical at big box stores on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

While the emphasis is on small businesses, the impact to the local economy can be substantial.

According to a 2014 report by Localism by the Numbers, independent retailers keep 48 percent more money in their local economy than national chains, while independent restaurants help keep 65 percent more money locally.

This additional money in the local economy leads to more employment, wages, charitable giving and additional sales occurring in the community.

The SBDC Hilo office helps East Hawaii small businesses start, grow and thrive through no-cost business advising, training classes and business research. Twice a month it hosts a Business Action Center during which entrepreneurs can register a new business with the state and attend training classes that cover topics such as how to write a business plan and how to use social media to grow your business.

For years, SBDC Hilo has encouraged East Hawaii business owners to take advantage of the national outreach campaign surrounding Small Business Saturday.

Last year, SBDC Hilo launched a Small Business Saturday Passport Initiative with nine participating Hilo businesses. Shoppers visiting each of the nine participating stores had a chance to win a prize basket valued at more than $200.

The growing number of organizations involved in promoting Small Business Saturday include the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii, Manono Street Marketplace, Honoka‘a Business Association, Pahoa Main Street Association and Honomu store owners.

Each organization will host its own event, such as the Japanese Chamber’s shop-around with prizes for participants.

For more information about Small Business Saturday or SBDC-Hilo, call 933-0776 or visit www.hisbdc.org.