The Town of Middletown is throwing its full support behind Small Business Saturday this holiday season. The Town Council recently passed a resolution officially recognizing Nov. 30 as Small Business Saturday, aiming to encourage residents to support local independent businesses.
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues emphasized the crucial role small businesses play in the community. “One of the major reasons every successful town thrives is because of small businesses,” Rodrigues stated. He highlighted their contributions, including providing jobs, supporting local fundraisers, and generating economic activity.
Rodrigues cited statistics highlighting the national impact of small businesses. They represent 99.7% of firms with paid employees and contribute over 61% of net new jobs created since 1995. Furthermore, spending at small businesses has a significant local economic impact, with 68 cents of every dollar remaining in the community. Rodrigues also noted that small businesses provide work for close to 46 percent of all private sector employees.
The Town Council President also drew attention to the positive ripple effect of supporting small businesses, noting that every dollar spent generates an additional 48 cents in local business activity. He encouraged residents to participate in Small Business Saturday and make a conscious effort to shop locally whenever possible.
The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce will host its fifth annual Business Walk on Friday, Nov. 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants are asked to meet at Chamber headquarters at Innovate Newport, 513 Broadway, Newport at 10 a.m. to meet up and gather in small groups before heading out on the walk.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
