CHICAGO (WLS) — Lincoln Square and Ravenswood are perfect places to celebrate small businesses on Saturday.
Businesses up and down Lincoln Street are offering special discounts and promotions with other festive events taking place throughout the day on Saturday.
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When you shop small, you're not just checking off things on your holiday list. You support local businesses and keep money in the community.
Rudy Flores, president and CEO of the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, joined ABC7 to talk about the importance of Small Business Saturday and the types of deals local businesses offer.
Don't miss the Saturday Small Business Shows at Lincoln Square and Ravenswood.
City leaders and neighborhood organizations came together on Small Business Saturday to remind people of the value of pumping money into their communities.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said 26th Ward Ald. Jesse Fuentes. “They hire working families right outside of our community so they can financially support their families.”
Fuentes shared her message from Café Colao, a local shop that serves Puerto Rican coffee, sandwiches, and pastries.
On the north side, the Rogers Park Business Alliance is offering a financial incentive. People who spent $150 at four or more local businesses received a $50 cash rebate.
“The benefits are that the money stays in the community, so when you would normally shop at a big box store, that money is going to another community,” said Carolina Juarez of the Rogers Park Business Alliance.
Also new this year at Rogers Park was a market showcasing vendors and artists. They say the intentional effort to highlight their work makes a difference.
“We're all just trying to sell our little thing, do our little thing and create a community,” artist Diana Gonzalez said.
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“People are really here to support small businesses, and this seems to be a very conscious effort today,” said writer Lana Orndorff.
On the South Side, nine black-owned businesses have sprung up in West Pullman.
“When you shop small, you get to come in and meet the business owner, rather than going to these big organizations or these big companies where you have no idea who makes the product,” said Lynette Howard of Naturals By Nette.
The Far South Community Development Corporation's Market Retail Incubator Program is providing a brick-and-mortar space for local entrepreneurs thanks to a grant from the City of Chicago.
“Your dollar matters. So, it's not just about the monetary value, it's about your voice, your actions, your financial support and your presence,” said Cam Brown of the Far South Community Development Corporation. “So your dollar goes a long way, but if you can't spend the money, show up and advocate for these small businesses.”
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