Despite the prevalence of small businesses , fewer than 80 percent of entrepreneurial small business ventures make it beyond their first year , and only around half make it beyond five years .

Consumers who want to help their favorite small businesses survive can use the holiday season and beyond to set the course for success . Consumers can make a concerted effort to fuel this important cog in their local economic engines .

• Shop local . The concept is simple but effective . Opting to shop in local stores over larger conglomerates and franchises can help small businesses take root . Before making holiday shopping lists , visit local stores and base gift ideas on items they have in stock . Chances are those gifts will be one-of-a-kind .

• Purchase gift cards / certificates . All businesses have slow periods , and post-holidays is often a time when sales stagnate . Gift cards may bring new customers into local businesses who might otherwise not have patronized them , potentially creating

new repeat customers .

• Cater holiday meals and gatherings . The holiday season is chock-full of entertainment opportunities . Individuals can rely on nearby restaurants and other food and beverage businesses to cater holiday parties . Some businesses also may be willing to discount or donate food for nonprofit group activities , such as church holiday bazaars , school holiday concerts or fundraising fairs .

• Mention small businesses on social media . The holiday season breeds excitement . Therefore , when shoppers are in local stores , they can snap pictures of products and overflowing shopping bags and post them online while praising local businesses .

• Think about subscription gifts . Enrollment in a health club or a massage therapy service are gifts that keep on giving for the recipient , but also help ensure consistent incoming cash for the business providing the service .

When shopping this holiday season , consumers can look to the small , local businesses in their communities that help make towns and cities unique .

( 478 ) 452-5507 Open 8:30-3:30 M-F

651509-1

644 GA-22 west , Milledgeville , GA

Georgia War Veterans Home

2249 Vinson Hwy , Milledgeville , GA ( 478 ) 445-3234

Holiday 2022 | Milledgeville Scene 39