We all want to see huge employers come to Warren County with hundreds of jobs that bring good wages and tax base with them.

But economic development and growth doesn’t always happen with Fortune 500 companies. New jobs often come in the form of small mom and pop shops that provide services we didn’t know we needed. It’s in that vein that we take note of the small businesses that are popping up – three in the past few weeks alone.

Entrepreneurs taking the leap into small business ownership see an unfilled niche and then make a choice to fill that niche. Big-name employers may make headlines, but small businesses account for most of the businesses that we frequent. Small businesses, defined as those with 500 employees or fewer – account for 99.9% of U.S. firms, according to the Small Business Administration. These small businesses are the ones that are often boosting the local community in one way or another. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 70% have encouraged employees to shop at local small businesses, 66% have donated to local charities over the past year, 64% say they sponsored or donated goods/services to local events and 56% say they offered discounts to certain groups within the community, like teachers or veterans.

Needless to say, it’s a good thing that we see small businesses popping up in Warren County. It’s a sign that people are willing to invest their money in our community. And, it’s meaningful when we hear such positive early responses from business owners who planned limited hours and then expanded hours due to the number of people interested in what the new businesses are selling.

Congratulations to those who are taking the plunge by opening a business. The investment in our community is noticed and appreciated. And a hearty thank you to those who are keeping their shopping dollars local by spending your hard-earned money with local businesses. Areas like ours can’t rely on one-off special days like Small Business Saturday because every day is Small Business Saturday.