BY: LINDA COPPESS
CEO and President, Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber
The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to remind our community of the upcoming Small Business Saturday on November 30. This nationwide event, launched by American Express in 2010 and officially co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, encourages communities to rally around the small businesses that form the backbone of local economies.
Small Business Saturday is more than just a shopping day. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the hard work, resilience, and creativity of the local entrepreneurs who contribute so much to the fabric of Coeur d’Alene. From charming boutiques to family-owned restaurants and unique service providers, small businesses bring character and vitality to our community. Without them, Coeur d’Alene wouldn’t have the welcoming, neighborly and captivating character we all cherish.
This year, United States Senator Jim Risch is introducing an initiative for Idaho called “Support Our Local Gems All Season Long” in recognition of the contributions that small local businesses play in the life of Idaho’s communities, expressing their character and helping them thrive. The CDA Regional Chamber is proud to champion Senator Risch’s endeavor, so in addition to Small Business Saturday, we strongly encourage our community to support our local small businesses throughout the holiday season.
Our local small businesses don’t just provide goods and services; they’re invested in our town. They sponsor youth sports teams, donate to local charities, and serve as gathering places where friends meet and lifelong bonds are formed. Unfortunately, many small businesses in our area may feel the lingering effects of shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic and the inflation pinch on all our pocketbooks, making our support now more critical than ever. This Small Business Saturday and throughout the year, let’s show our Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County businesses how much we value their presence by shopping small and local.
Nationally, the impact of Small Business Saturday is significant. In 2022, American consumers spent an estimated $17.9 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on this day alone. Imagine what a strong turnout in our local community could mean for small business owners in the Coeur d’Alene area! A surge of support would not only help these businesses through the holiday season but also contribute to a more robust local economy. When we spend locally, more of that money stays in our area, fueling job creation, public services, and future growth.
But supporting small businesses isn’t just about economic statistics; it’s about preserving our community’s unique character. Where else can you find such a delightful blend of art galleries, specialty shops, neighborhood eateries, and independent coffee shops? These businesses reflect the spirit of our local culture and contribute to its unique identity, giving visitors and residents alike a sense of place that can’t be replicated elsewhere.
As the holiday season approaches, I urge you to think beyond the convenience of big-box stores or online giants and consider how you can invest in our small community. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, enjoying a meal out, or booking services, please prioritize local establishments. Shopping locally is a simple but powerful way to give back to the business owners who have always been there for us.
Finally, we invite all local business owners to connect with us at the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce. Whether you’re a long-standing pillar of our business community or just getting started, we’d love to support you. Join us, and let’s continue to make Coeur d’Alene a thriving place to live, work, and do business.
This year, let’s come together as a community to show appreciation for the small businesses that make Coeur d’Alene so special. Your support matters — on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season.
