Gov. Quinn proclaims Nov. 26 as "Small Business Saturday" | Community Spirit

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Governor Pat Quinn recently proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 26 as "Small Business Saturday" in Illinois to encourage shoppers to support small businesses in the state.

Shoppers are encouraged to use the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, between "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" to shop at small businesses around the state.

“Thanksgiving weekend traditionally serves as the kick-off for the holiday shopping season, and we want all Illinois businesses to have a strong showing,” said Governor Quinn. “I encourage people throughout Illinois to use this time to show their support for local merchants that contribute to our local economies, putting people to work and keeping our economy moving forward."

Quinn says small business success is critical to Illinois’ and the nation's overall economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are about 28 million small businesses in the United States, which have created 65 percent of new jobs over the past two decades. For every $100 spent in locally-owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures, according to the 3/50 Project, a small business advocacy group.

“If every Illinois small business was able to create one new job, we'd lower the unemployment rate five points," said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. "'Small Business Saturday' continues our efforts to boost locally-owned businesses throughout Illinois by giving them the tools and support they need to succeed and grow.”

In October, Governor Quinn launched "Advantage Illinois," a new program for small businesses to access capital, thanks to more than $78 million from the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative.

For more information on the state's small business resources, you can visit www.ildceo.net.

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