As Boulder City gears up for the 15th Annual Small Business Saturday, taking place next Saturday, the community is rallying to not only patronize local haunts but to intertwine their fiscal destinies through the "Shop the Block" initiative. As reported by Boulder City's official website, the initiative encourages shoppers to bring receipts from one participating business to another for a 15-percent discount. Dam Roast House, credited with originating the program last year, has inspired a chain of mutual support among the Boulder City small businesses.
Jill Lagan, President and CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, said, "When you shop a participating Boulder City business on November 30-December 1, bring your receipt to another participating business and get 15-percent off your purchase. It’s not just residents helping local businesses. Now it’s businesses supporting other small businesses – an amazing idea!" Boulder City businesses are expanding the "Shop the Block" initiative, started by the Dam Roast House last year, as a symbol of community support, as per the Boulder City website.
Small Business Saturday, launched by American Express in 2010, emphasizes the vital role small businesses play in the economy. Last year, the Small Business Administration estimated $17 billion in sales for businesses on this day. Since its start, the event has contributed about $201 billion to America's small business sector.
As mentioned in the Boulder City website, spending money within Boulder City boosts the local economy and helps fund essential services like schools, parks, roads, and public safety. "The pride and passion for Small Business Saturday has grown immensely over the past fifteen years," said Boulder City's Economic Development Coordinator, Raffi Festekjian. With over half of Nevada's workforce employed by small businesses, Festekjian added that participating in Small Business Saturday strengthens the local economy.
