\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCentral Florida shoppers kicked off Small Business Saturday with the sights, sounds and smells of the Winter Park Farmers\u2019 Market.It’s where local vendors say the day offers a critical boost heading into the holiday season.The annual shopping event encourages residents to spend their dollars locally.It is something business owners say directly supports the families and entrepreneurs who give Orlando\u2019s neighborhoods their character.”It\u2019s all about the local community,” said Chris Rivera, who owns Thirsty Husky Coffee with her husband, Eddie.Vendors at the market said shoppers can find items that stand out from big-box shelves.”We all have wonderful, unique items to offer the public that they can\u2019t find in the supermarket or anywhere,” said Anna Marie Mele, owner of Pesto Diva.Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express in 2010 and co-sponsored nationally by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011, has become one of the busiest shopping days of the season for independent retailers. The SBA says more than 36 million small businesses operate nationwide.Rivera said customers should know their purchases matter.”The money that you are spending on local businesses is going back to the community, really,” she said.For many vendors, the day\u2019s foot traffic can help set the tone and the revenue for the rest of the holidays.”We are all here for you, rain or shine, and we are happy to be able to offer you our services and our products,” Mele said.Just a few blocks away, Park Avenue was buzzing as shoppers browsed boutiques and caf\u00e9s that are part of the city\u2019s long-standing small business ecosystem.”This is the best street to shop and it has a lot of little boutiques,” said shopper Karen Miles-Miller. “If we want them to survive, we have to support them. It\u2019s pure economics.”Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer encouraged residents to keep that mindset going beyond the weekend.”Let\u2019s make an effort to frequent our city\u2019s small businesses during the entire holiday season,” Dyer said in a statement. “By shopping and eating small, we support entrepreneurs and their employees who play a big role in making Orlando more vibrant.”Dyer highlighted several events in the city\u2019s 12 Main Street Districts, including:Ship, Shop & Score \u2014 Curry Ford WestWe Sell \u2014 Small Business Saturday \u2014 Thornton Park DistrictShop Small Sip and Stroll \u2014 Audubon Park Garden DistrictResidents can follow @orlandomainstreets and @dwntwn_orlando on Instagram for updated deals and promotions heading into Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.For shoppers looking to participate nationally, the SBA offers a Small Business Saturday directory and marketing materials for business owners.Whether at a farmers\u2019 market stand or a longtime storefront, small business owners say the support they receive this weekend means everything and for the community they help shape.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tWINTER PARK, Fla. \u2014 \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
Central Florida shoppers kicked off Small Business Saturday with the sights, sounds and smells of the Winter Park Farmers\u2019 Market.<\/p>\n
It’s where local vendors say the day offers a critical boost heading into the holiday season.<\/p>\n
The annual shopping event encourages residents to spend their dollars locally.<\/p>\n
It is something business owners say directly supports the families and entrepreneurs who give Orlando\u2019s neighborhoods their character.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s all about the local community,” said Chris Rivera, who owns Thirsty Husky Coffee with her husband, Eddie.<\/p>\n
Vendors at the market said shoppers can find items that stand out from big-box shelves.<\/p>\n
“We all have wonderful, unique items to offer the public that they can\u2019t find in the supermarket or anywhere,” said Anna Marie Mele, owner of Pesto Diva.<\/p>\n
Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express<\/a> in 2010 and co-sponsored nationally by the U.S. Small Business Administration<\/a> since 2011, has become one of the busiest shopping days of the season for independent retailers. The SBA says more than 36 million small businesses operate nationwide.<\/p>\n Rivera said customers should know their purchases matter.<\/p>\n “The money that you are spending on local businesses is going back to the community, really,” she said.<\/p>\n For many vendors, the day\u2019s foot traffic can help set the tone and the revenue for the rest of the holidays.<\/p>\n “We are all here for you, rain or shine, and we are happy to be able to offer you our services and our products,” Mele said.<\/p>\n Just a few blocks away, Park Avenue<\/a> was buzzing as shoppers browsed boutiques and caf\u00e9s that are part of the city\u2019s long-standing small business ecosystem.<\/p>\n “This is the best street to shop and it has a lot of little boutiques,” said shopper Karen Miles-Miller. “If we want them to survive, we have to support them. It\u2019s pure economics.”<\/p>\n Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer encouraged residents to keep that mindset going beyond the weekend.<\/p>\n “Let\u2019s make an effort to frequent our city\u2019s small businesses during the entire holiday season,” Dyer said in a statement. “By shopping and eating small, we support entrepreneurs and their employees who play a big role in making Orlando more vibrant.”<\/p>\n Dyer highlighted several events in the city\u2019s 12 Main Street Districts<\/a>, including:<\/p>\n Residents can follow @orlandomainstreets<\/a> and @dwntwn_orlando<\/a> on Instagram for updated deals and promotions heading into Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30.<\/p>\n For shoppers looking to participate nationally, the SBA offers a Small Business Saturday directory<\/a> and marketing materials for business owners.<\/p>\n Whether at a farmers\u2019 market stand or a longtime storefront, small business owners say the support they receive this weekend means everything and for the community they help shape.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t