Small business, big impact: Alleghenies’ small businesses drive local economy
I recently met Jeff Boldizar, Director at Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center, to discuss the importance of small businesses in the community. “Small businesses are often building blocks, and it gives hope and inspiration for other entrepreneurs,” he said. “Small businesses not only offer unique products and services but also build community and offer employment opportunities.”
According to the Forbes article, small businesses accounted for 99.6% of Pennsylvania businesses in 2020, employing over 2.5 million people. And while these businesses are classified as ‘small,’ the impact is anything but little.
Economic impact
When a local organization needs support or funding, they often turn to the small businesses in their community. “Small businesses support other activities in the community, such as baseball teams, churches, schools and organizations,” Boldizar said.
“When communities are welcoming and supportive of small businesses, it can help the businesses succeed and bring more customers and taxes into the town,” he added. “They bring people into the economy that may not be there otherwise.”
According to Forbes, Americans are starting new businesses at record rates, and Pennsylvania is one of the best places to do it. The state has seen a 20.6% increase in new business applications from 2019 to 2020, the fourth-highest increase in the country.
Boldizar also pointed out how small businesses impact the culture of a community. “Small businesses often try to tie themselves into the town’s history. They include historical elements in their business to help revitalize the town — think coal mine and railroad towns,” he said.
Small businesses are essential to our communities and play a significant role in the local economy. According to a recent Forbes report, Americans are starting new businesses at record rates, and Pennsylvania is one of the best places to do it. The state has seen a 20.6% increase in new business applications from 2019 to 2020, the fourth-highest increase in the country.
Advice for successful small businesses
According to Forbes, most new businesses started in Pennsylvania in 2020 were non-employer businesses, meaning they have no employees other than the owner. These types of businesses are scattered throughout the Alleghenies. “One common trait in the smaller companies is that they have working owners,” Boldizar noted. “Successful small business owners have a mix of skills, including both product knowledge and management background, and stay on top of changes in the industry.”
Small businesses are often building blocks, and it gives hope and inspiration for other entrepreneurs.
Look around, and you will see these budding businesses everywhere. They play a crucial role in communities and the economy.
Boldizar said there is help available for small business owners, starting with the free coaching available at Startup Alleghenies (find out more here). “At the Saint Francis University SBDC, we are committed to helping small businesses succeed. Our students are in tune with marketing trends and can provide valuable insights to small business owners. We believe that by supporting small businesses, we can help build strong communities and create a better future for everyone,” he concluded.
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
