Spoiler: Coupon codes ahead
Small businesses dominate the United States’ economic landscape, making up over 99% of all U.S. companies. This small but mighty army of micro-enterprises generates a whopping 54% of sales and creates 55% of jobs in the U.S. Not to mention, small businesses are substantially more generous than large corporations and donate 250% more to nonprofits and community organizations. Small is relative, right?
However, these impressive statistics don’t always feel accurate. Big box stores and mega-corporations—household names with extensive retail spaces and generous advertising budgets—loom large on our economic skyline. But what percentage of your corporate purchases goes back into our economy, or more specifically, our local economies? What portion of your spending goes toward the support of nonprofit organizations?
This holiday season, we’re challenging ourselves to think smaller with our spending. As we festively select “Add to Cart” during our Christmas shopping sessions, or make coffee dates with friends, or plan team-building activities, let’s remember the impact of our purchase. Williamsburg is our home, and we’re proud as heck to count ourselves among our local small business community. So with Small Business Saturday in a few days (mark your calendars for the 27th!), we’re highlighting some of our favorite places to shop locally.
Fave Cup of Joe – Flying Kite Coffee Roasters
Flying Kite Coffee Roasters, a two-family run micro-roastery, operates on the principle of people over profit. Flying Kite exclusively offers fair-trade, organic-certified (delicious) coffee beans to support equitable trade relationships with their producers. The roastery also donates an ever-increasing percentage of its coffee sales to local and national nonprofits.
Beginning on Small Business Saturday and continuing through the end of the month, Flying Kite Coffee is offering a 10% discount at their online store, including your first month’s subscription of Flying Kite Coffee with the coupon code: THANKFUL.
Fave Online Shopping – made
Made’s founder and owner Holly, inspired by the positive impact of fair trade while working for a nonprofit in Haiti, opened a local boutique to sell handmade apparel, home goods, and jewelry crafted by global artisans. Made exists to connect people to the often unseen makers behind their purchases. Each piece is made with care by skilled artisans who are paid fairly and work in safe conditions, with the ultimate goal of keeping families together.
From now until Christmas, made is donating a percentage of all sales to their Haitian social enterprise partners to assist in the payment of employees unable to work due to gas outages and gang violence in the country.
In addition, made will host two markets this holiday season. At each market, they will feature a handful of local makers. On Small Business Saturday weekend, take 20% off with every online order over $100 using code SHOPSMALLWKND. Every order will include a refugee-made ornament for FREE!
Fave Brunch Spot – Tipsy Beans Cafe
From açai bowls and smoothies to eggs benedict and omelets, Tipsy Beans Cafe offers an inviting indoor/outdoor space to share a tasty (and tipsy) meal with friends and family. We crave Tipsy Beans at brunch time, but this local eatery offers weekly specials including Taco Tuesday, Wing Wednesday, and Burgers & Brews Thursday. Head to 1430 High Street to support a locally owned and operated restaurant to satisfy all your holiday cravings.
Fave Drinking Hole – Precarious
This quirky beer hall planted in Merchants Square next to the William & Mary and Colonial Williamsburg offers an endless amount of beverage choices, an electric circus taco bar, and arcade games that will hold you hostage for days. Precarious also offers to-go beer cans for your personal fridge collection that will complement any holiday meal or fuel your football-watching marathon.
Fave Group Activity – Axe Republic
Axe Republic opened its doors with the Williamsburg community in mind to support and host local businesses and charities for team bonding experiences. With a staff of former military veterans, local teachers, and students, Axe Republic is considered to be Virginia’s premier axe-throwing destination. Try your hand at drinking alcohol and throwing deadly objects at this 12-lane venue.
Located at 4919 Courthouse Street, Axe Republic is offering a free koozie to the first 25 customers to throw axes on Small Business Saturday!
– Natalie Harger & Ciara Geiger
Sources: Small Business Administration, Seattle Good Business Network