You’ve heard it said so many times that you probably think it’s a cliché, but it’s actually true: small businesses really are the backbone of our economy. The US Small Business Administration notes that small businesses total 33.3-million nationwide – representing 99.9% of all businesses. Nearly half of all employees in the country are employed by a small business. In addition, more than eight out of ten small businesses have no employees at all – reflecting a trend in entrepreneurship that has left over 27-million businesses managed solely by their owners.

These nationwide trends can clearly be seen regionally and locally as well, with small business openings all over Chautauqua County in the past couple of years. The Chamber is helping those start-ups by promoting their ribbon cutting events, and by encouraging all local people to shop locally. We also publicly recognize small businesses in a variety of ways, including projects like our upcoming Salute to the Finest awards event in Jamestown where over 100 guests will gather to pay tribute to a variety of small businesses and businesspeople.

Our mission is to build vital connections, provide professional resources, and champion our local businesses in Chautauqua County. We take that mission seriously and have spent a great deal of time as champions for local business. We are a cheerleader for small business and will continue to play that role.

Four years ago, the pandemic opened everyone’s eyes to the reality that supporting small local businesses is crucial for the vitality of our communities. These efforts have always been on our radar, and now we have refocused on that responsibility. But it’s not just up to us – it’s up to all of us.

Small businesses are doing their part to pull their own weight here, but we can all make a difference. If you have a great experience at a small local store or restaurant, say so. Leave them a great review online. Spread the word through your own social media. Tell your friends and neighbors and urge others to support the exceptional work of a locally owned business. These business owners are passionate about their enterprises. For them, ownership is more than a responsibility, it’s a way of life.

When you are choosing a store or a restaurant or a service provider for your own home or business, we urge you to think locally and shop locally, and let the entrepreneurs know that you’ve got their back.

There’s Still Time for Eclipse Preparedness

Have you been on the fence about what your business should do on April 8 when our region is expecting a rare total eclipse of the sun? The Chamber can help you make some decisions. Attend our free Business Builder Workshop on Friday, March 8 – Last Call for Eclipse Opportunities. Our panel of experts includes Tom Traub, Chair of the Martz-Kohl Observatory Solar Eclipse Committee and NASA Eclipse Ambassador member; Noel Guttman, Chautauqua County Director of Emergency Services; and Andrew Nixon, President and CEO of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau. They can tell you exactly what to expect. With an estimated 100,000 extra people expected to visit Chautauqua County for the eclipse and the weekend prior, you will want to gear up your business. This workshop will be held Friday, March 8 from 9-10:30am at the Marvin Community House, 2 West Fifth Street, Jamestown. Pre-registration is requested so we can adequately prepare. This workshop is sponsored by Brooks-TLC Hospital System, Jamestown Community College, the Marvin Community House, Media One Radio Group, Observer, and The Post-Journal. The upcoming eclipse is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our region, and for your business to seize the moment.

The Chamber is also compiling lists of local businesses in the shopping, dining, and attraction categories to help market all available assets when we are expecting so many guests in the county. Some businesses are traditionally not open Sundays and Mondays, but may choose to vary their hours for this major event. We will help to provide that information for consumers. Whether you are a Chamber member or not, you can sign up your business through our online events calendar under Eclipse Marketing for Local Businesses. Input your special hours and other information and we will help spread the word.

If your business or organization is hosting an eclipse watch party on April 8 we hope you’ll list it with the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau. Their website at www.tourchautauqua.com includes some great resources and a comprehensive list of watch parties planned for all over Chautauqua County. CCVB also has posters and rack cards available at its office at the Chautauqua Institution Main Gate Welcome Center, and through the Chamber office in Jamestown.

Business After Hours at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts March 21

Join us for the first Business After Hours of 2024 as we visit the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown. This networking opportunity will be held upstairs in the Media Arts Studio above the theater – a great space you will want to see! Business After hours is a chance for local businesspeople to come together in a casual and inviting way. It runs from 5-6:30pm, featuring appetizers, a cash bar, and a brief program that lets you know who’s who in the room. Remember to bring business cards for networking and our door prize drawing. The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts is at 116 East Third Street, Jamestown. Use the elevator to the right of the lobby entrance to head up to the Media Arts room. Chamber member businesses can send two people at no charge. For non-members or anyone above the two-person limit, the price is $10. Advance registration is not required but is appreciated for our planning purposes and will get your name and business included in our Who’s Who in the Room list. Sign up online now through our web calendar at www.chautauquachamber.org. This Business After Hours is sponsored by the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Jamestown Community College, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, and The Post-Journal.