Shop Small Recap November 27th, 2021
Small Businesses Around Delaware Encouraged Consumers to “Shop Small”
THANK YOU, PARTNERS!
Our team here at the Delaware SBDC would like to take a moment and shout out the people and organizations that helped make our Shop Small press tour possible this year. We were able to meet 23 businesses in all three counties, visiting many towns and cities along the way. Our small-but-mighty team appreciates your support, help, encouragement, and expertise!
THANK YOU! Middletown Main Street, Middletown Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware Small Business Administration team, and Media Teams who came out to share the story of Shop Small Saturday – we appreciate you!
SHOP SMALL – ALL YEAR LONG!
Looking for that perfect holiday gift is always a driver to get out and shop – but keep in mind that many of these local businesses that ride high during the holidays need support and patronage all year long. Businesses who sell gift cards or coupons benefit from that post-holiday rush, but remember to get out and support the businesses that keep your community running without holiday motivation.
Keep an eye out all year for signage outside a business that says “Shop Small HERE” – this is a great indicator that you’re supporting a small business.
SHOP SMALL TOUR 2021
Middletown, DE
- Elite Feet – Recent EDGE Grant Winners, Elite Feet’s owners Jay and Joy Hunt were happy to share how their shift to scheduled appointments and limited store capacity benefitted their business throughout a pandemic – see more about Elite Feet by visiting https://www.elitefeet302.com/
- Middletown Main Street Walk – Hosted by the Middletown Main Street and Middletown Chamber of Commerce, SBDC and SBA Staff visited five businesses along the main road and stopped in to greet owners and provide “Shop Small Here” signage for each storefront. Businesses included Balloon Art by Angie, Mia Rose Bridal, The Purple Sage, and Volunteer Brewing Co. Read more about Main Street in Middletown here: https://www.middletownmainstreet.org/
Historic New Castle, DE
- Bridgewater Jewelers – Serving the New Castle area since 1883, owner Mary Lenhoff showed SBDC officials around her family’s historic location. While preparing for Small Business Saturday’s deals and displays, Mary detailed the unique services offered by her traditional jewelry store, and how they have stayed busy for almost 140 years. Read more about Bridgewater Jewelers: https://bridgewaterjewelers.com/
- Historic New Castle Walk – SBDC Officials delivered posters and “Shop Small” signage to businesses in the downtown area.
Harbeson, DE
- Gingham + Grace Clothing – Owner Jami Jackson visited with SBDC and SBA officials and shared her plans to boost business during the holiday season, including ways she is supporting other small businesses in Sussex County. Gingham + Grace is stocked with a wide selection of clothes for the busy woman, with a major boost from her recent EDGE grant win. See more about Gingham + Grace here: https://ginghamandgraceclothing.com/
Milton, DE
- Brimming Horn Meadery – This viking-themed establishment in Milton is famous for their award-winning Mead and ability to adapt to online shopping – with innovative ways to purchase Brimming Horn’s variety of mead flavors through an e-commerce storefront, Jon Talkington and Robert (JR) Walker, Jr. were happy to share their story with SBDC and SBA officials. Check out Brimming Horn Meadery: https://brimminghornmeadery.com/home
Dover, DE
- Loockerman Street Walk with Downtown Dover Partnership – SBDC and SBA officials joined Downtown Dover Partnership for visits to businesses throughout Dover to deliver AMEX Shop Small materials and our “Shop Small Here” signage for storefronts.
- Black Swamp Artisanal Market – Visiting a new storefront in Downtown Dover, SBDC and DDP officials learned about Justin and Tara Brant’s efforts to bring artisanal goods from all over the region together into a curated market right on Loockerman St. Black Swamp Market was ready for the Shop Small rush, and is preparing for their first holiday season – read more about their market here: https://www.facebook.com/BlackSwampArtisanalMarket/
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
See how our organization could help your small business thrive:
DID WE MISS SOMETHING? LET US KNOW!
Want to add to this page? Email delaware-sbdc@udel.edu or click here:
Small Business Saturday a Large Boost for Delaware Retailers Delaware State News
“We are so fortunate that we have so many wonderful small businesses that are all here really to support one another. One of the things that I say all the time is ‘Community over competition,’ and there’s room at the table for all of us,” Ms. Jackson said.
The SBDC, SBA, and media visited Gingham & Grace Clothing Boutique on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021. READ MORE >
Sussex County Businesses Preparing For Busy Holiday Shopping Weekend Including Small Business Saturday WRDE Coast TV
SBDC Advisor Caroline Hermance says that her center has been working with small businesses to develop an online element of their business. “Lots of businesses are building websites and e-commerce storefronts.”
The SBDC, SBA, and media visited businesses in Sussex County on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021. READ MORE >
Black Swamp Artisanal Market in Dover
