Posts Tagged ‘Small Business Saturday’

Celebrating Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 28th, 2015
Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday

I decided to celebrate Small Business Saturday by exploring a local neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of independent, locally owned shops and restaurants. Hope Village is the community located where the Summit, Mount Hope and Hope neighborhoods in Providence Rhode Island all converge. Many of the small businesses there are part of the Hope Street Merchants Association, a mini-chamber of commerce that organizes seasonal events, such as the Recent Stroll, to encourage people to shop local. The pride in the neighborhood seems to provide proof of the frequently cited finding that 68 cents of every dollar spent locally is reinvested in the community. Residents appear meticulous in how they care for their homes. I enjoyed having a cup of tea and gingerbread at Seven Stars Bakery and then went to Kreatelier, a unique shop offering fabrics, sewing lessons and home fashions. I was especially happy to patronize Kreatelier for the first time as it is a fellow WBENC-certified business through the Center for Women and Enterprise. After a fun afternoon, I can see why Hope Village describes itself as the place offering “small businesses with big characters”. I look forward to returning to visit Festival Ballet. I hope everyone supported at least one local business today.