Announcing the Official Kickoff of the 2023 Small Business Season
Everything you need to know about the merriest time of year.

We are delighted to announce the official kickoff of Small Business Season™ 2023 on November 1st. Our inaugural celebration of this grassroots movement aims to make the holiday season a little brighter for our small businesses and the people who love them.
It hasn’t been an easy year for any of us. With rising costs, fears of inflation, hiring challenges, and so much more, our local businesses need assistance and what better time to support their dreams than at the holidays?
As part of Small Business Season, we’re encouraging shoppers to support small businesses including retail, dining, entertainment, as well as other goods and services including artisans, authors, makers, service providers, and more.
Shopping Local Is Kind
When it comes to buying local, we want you to remember the benefits of shopping small are KIND.
Knowledge – local businesses are often staffed by owners or people who have a solid knowledge of their products and services. They will take the time to help you figure out what you want and need as well as answer questions.
Investment – When you shop local, you’re making an investment in Hickory County.
Neighbors – we want to live in a town where we know we can count on one another. Small businesses support our pursuits (by sponsoring things like our children’s teams and field trips). We want to support their dreams as well.
Dreams – Gen Y and Z are some of the most entrepreneurial generations since the 1930s. 62% of Gen Y and 75% of Gen Z want to open a business someday. We want them to think of our area as a great place to follow their dreams.

Celebrate Small Business Season with Us
We invite you to set aside a portion of your holiday budget to spend it with our small businesses. From holiday meals to looking your best for the company party, from entertaining out-of-own guests to getting your home ready for guests, from buying teacher gifts to buying end-of-year thank you gifts, there are so many ways you can support our local business community.
Join us as we celebrate Small Business Season, a feel-good celebration of our small businesses and our community’s entrepreneurial spirit.