BELFAST, Maine (WABI) – Those from the Small Business Administration joined local leaders in Belfast to promote Small Business Saturday.
“For Small Business Saturday and the season of shopping small businesses, we get to do a little pregame. So, we get out, we visit small businesses. Last week, I was in Calais visiting with city officials there and small businesses there, and this week, we’re in Belfast doing a little bit of press and publicity, and maybe a little shopping as well to kick off the season,” stated Diane Sturgeon, Maine District Director, US Small
“We really want to help them survive, thrive, expand, and today was an opportunity to kind of visit some of them and celebrate their success. So, we’re very fortunate to have a number of small businesses doing so well in Belfast, and that’s why we’re out here today speaking with them to hear about how they’ve been doing,” explained City of Belfast Director of Economic Development, Thomas Kittredge.
For those looking to shop small, Belfast has plenty to offer.
“Our Town Belfast has done a great job in attracting businesses and filling vacancies in our downtown storefronts. We have a very active Chamber of Commerce, the Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce, that has helped to attract businesses and support them, and market them, and promote them. Here at the city of Belfast, we’re trying to do what we can in terms of technical support and grant support, when possible, to help our businesses come here and do well and stay here for a long time,” Kittredge explained.
Many expressed just how important local business is.
“When you’re supporting your local downtown or your local businesses, you’re supporting your family, your friends, and your neighbors, and those are people that have chosen to set up a business here and to continue to make this a thriving community. Without that, we’re going to die off,” stated Executive Director of Our Town Belfast, Amanda Cunningham.
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