Smith Highlights Small Business Saturday, Encourages Residents to Shop Local

CHICAGO – With the holiday shopping season quickly approaching, state Rep. Nicholas Smith, D-Chicago, is encouraging residents to support and celebrate small, local community businesses this Saturday in recognition of Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30.

“Small and local businesses are the backbone of our communities and many are owned by our neighbors, friends and local community members,” said Smith. “With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, it’s important that we support and shop at these locally-owned businesses.”

Small Business Saturday was established as an annual event to encourage shoppers to support small, local businesses. Small Business Saturday follows Black Friday, and calls on residents to support these businesses through the course of their holiday shopping. According to the American Independent Business Alliance, every dollar spent at a small business can generate $3.50 for the local economy.

Working to lift up local employers and build a stronger economy, Smith voted earlier this year so cut taxes for 300,000 small businesses in Illinois beginning in 2020 by phasing out the unfair corporate franchise tax. By 2024, the franchise tax will be completely eliminated for businesses in Illinois.

“By easing the tax burden on local businesses, we are empowering them to grow and create more jobs and invest in our communities,” said Smith. “Protecting local businesses is critical to our local economy. I encourage local families to join me in shopping local this holiday season and throughout the year.”