‘Season of Small Business’ highlights Small Businesses in Exeter
‘Season of Small Business Campaign’ Campaign builds on small business boom encouraging all to shop small and support small businesses throughout the holiday season. U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman and SBA New Hampshire District Office joined U.S. Jeanne Shaheen (NH-D) kicking off SBA's ‘Season of Small Business’ in Exeter, New Hampshire.
The ‘Season of Small Business’ is a new, SBA-led campaign designed to drive Americans to shop at small businesses throughout the holiday season – the busiest shopping time of the year. The holiday season is essential to the success of local, independently owned businesses and small business brands that rely on the surge of consumer spending to achieve their annual revenue goals. In NH, there are over 136,000 small businesses which account for 99% of all businesses in the state, and among these, the top sectors include businesses in accommodations, food services, and retail trade.
“By prioritizing shopping small and making holiday purchases from a local small business, consumers not only directly contribute to the essence of our communities, but also support our job creators, help boost the economy, and enrich our neighborhoods,” said Amy Bassett District Director of NH SBA.
The walking tour began with a stop at ‘Forest and Ash’, a full-service interior design company, founded by Hanna Schaffer and Robin Dursic. The duo has been designing and creating beautiful spaces for residential and commercial clients since 2018. The shop, a popular shopping destination, was busy with patrons looking for that special gift.
Just across the street was the next stop, ‘The Chocolatier’, a chocolate lover’s dream, which is family-owned and operated. The Martone family, along with partner Edna Howard have created their hand-crafted chocolates on-site since 1978. The shop was bustling with excitement while customers browsed the well-stocked shelves seeking a delicious treat.
At the last stop, the group met with gallery owners Kathy and Keith Lemerise. Their “trendy” gift shop, ‘Trends Gift Gallery and The Wine Loft’ has been in several NH locations since 1984 but found Exeter home in 1991. Many local patrons stopped in for the latest gifts, cards, and specialty items.
The goal of the SBA-led walking tour is to highlight downtowns and encourage communities to support these independent businesses. Supporting small businesses is an investment in the future and success of Main Streets.