Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce Launches Inaugural Small Business Season to Boost Local Economy

[GALVESTON, TX – Oct 1, 2024] – Imagine if your paycheck was suddenly reduced by 40%, yet your expenses remained the same. That’s the reality for many businesses in our region, with reports of revenue drops by 40% due to road construction, weather and the economy. These declines threaten payrolls, insurance premiums, and operating costs which can ultimately result in a reduced workforce or closure. In response, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of its inaugural Small Business Season, a community-wide initiative dedicated to supporting local businesses throughout the critical holiday period.

Launching on Oct. 1 and running through the end of the year, Small Business Season seeks to reconnect residents and business leaders with the tangible benefits of shopping local. This initiative is designed not just to raise awareness but to drive economic support for small businesses that form the backbone of our community.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and many operate on razor-thin margins. Losing just one month of business can push them to the brink, with 40 to 60 percent never reopening after a prolonged shutdown,” says Gina Spagnola, Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO & President. “Unlike the faceless giants of Cyber Monday or Black Friday, local businesses rely on community support to stay afloat.”

Small Business Season encourages residents and business leaders alike to explore the unique shops, restaurants, and services that define our local economy. Choosing to shop locally ensures that dollars spent stay within our community, driving prosperity and growth.

“The more we choose convenience over community, the greater risk of losing the small businesses that sustain us,” adds Keith Bassett, Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce Chair. “Every time a small business closes, we lose a piece of our local identity.”

When consumers choose to shop locally, the impact on the local economy is profound. Studies show that for every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $68 stays in the community, compared to just $43 when spent at national chains. This revenue supports local jobs, infrastructure, and essential community services, fueling the region’s economic growth.

“When small businesses close, we lose more than just stores; we lose the soul of our community,” adds Spagnola. “If we don’t support local businesses today, we risk losing them forever.”

Small businesses currently employ 46% of the private sector workforce, and those numbers are expected to rise. With an estimated 62% of Millennials and 75% of Gen Z aspiring to start their own businesses, supporting local entrepreneurship is key. “Without our support, these future business leaders may seek opportunities elsewhere. These current and future small business owners are our risk takers, our dream chasers and our future,” says Spagnola.

For more information on Small Business Season 2024, please visit GalvestonChamber.com and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #SmallBusinessSeason and #GalvestonSmallBizSeason.

Small Business Season is a global marketing campaign created to help share the message and educate on the importance of supporting local business and reinvigorating the joy behind community. Small businesses support our area by creating jobs as well as donating to our non-profits, our youth organizations, and our local events.

Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, Texas’ oldest Chamber established in 1845, is the leading business advocacy organization in Galveston and the surrounding areas, representing over 1,000 members from various industries. Committed to fostering economic growth, advocating for business-friendly policies, and providing valuable resources and networking opportunities, the Chamber plays a vital role in supporting the success and prosperity of the business community.