St. Petersburg Rallies for Small Business Saturday in Wake of Hurricane Devastation

St. Petersburg Unites for Small Business Saturday Amid Hurricane Recovery

St. Petersburg, Florida – In the wake of devastating hurricanes that hit the state earlier this year, local leaders and business owners are rallying support for small businesses during this weekend’s Small Business Saturday, which marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. This initiative aims to boost sales in a community recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall on October 9, 2024, alongside Hurricane Helene earlier in the month.

Who is Involved

The call to support local businesses comes from a coalition of lawmakers, including U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, alongside business owners like Tony Loeffler, the owner of Atlas Body & Home, and Anthony Shun, president of NautiGirl Beachwear. These leaders emphasize the importance of small businesses in the local economy, which consists of nearly half a million small businesses employing about one million people across six severely affected counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Hardee.

What’s Happening

This weekend, shoppers are encouraged to explore their local shops, restaurants, and services, especially as many of these businesses have been hit hard by the storms. Castor described the hurricanes as “unwanted guests that showed up and trashed the place,” leaving significant economic damage in their wake. “We’re resilient, and we’re going to rebuild,” she asserted during a press conference held in downtown St. Petersburg, emphasizing the community’s commitment to supporting local businesses.

When and Why is it Important

Small Business Saturday takes place on November 30, 2024, as part of an initiative that originated in 2010, designed to encourage consumers to shop at small, locally-owned businesses. Leaders like Loeffler, a board member of the Downtown Business Association, highlighted the vital role small businesses play in promoting community cohesion and economic stability, stating, “We’re the envy of much larger cities and can’t take that for granted.” Loeffler noted that supporting local shops is crucial, particularly during the busy holiday season, which can make or break many owners.

Challenges Faced by Small Businesses

According to local business owners, this year has been especially tough following the hurricanes. Shun from NautiGirl Beachwear mentioned a noticeable decline in shopping activity, urging community members to share their stories and support local businesses during this time of need. “The money you spend with us really does make an impact,” he stated, underscoring the deep connections that local businesses foster with their customers.

Adding to the uncertainty, the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Loan Program is currently out of funds. Lawmakers, including a bipartisan group from Florida, are advocating for additional funding to assist small businesses in recovery efforts, with hopes for inclusion in an emergency disaster supplemental package. “These businesses are crucial for job creation and economic recovery,” said Rep. Laurel Lee, affirming the need for accessible resources.

The Call to Action

The Florida Small Business Development Center Network has also joined the movement, urging consumers to invest in their neighbors by shopping small. State director Greg Britton stated, “When you shop small, you’re doing more than making a purchase — you’re investing in your neighbors and strengthening your community.”

Castor concluded with a clear message: “Don’t sit there online and order from an online shop. Get out and support your local small businesses.” Her sentiment resonates strongly within a community seeking to recover and rebuild following the recent challenges.

As the holiday shopping season approaches, the spotlight remains on St. Petersburg’s small businesses, which are essential to the region’s economic health and vitality. This Small Business Saturday not only represents a shopping opportunity but also a chance for the community to come together in support of those most affected by the storms.