Wyo communities celebrate local businesses this holiday season

Friday, December 08, 2017

Thanksgiving revelers in Wyoming headed downtown where local business boosters across the state had some fantastic parties to jumpstart the holiday shopping season.

Fireworks, music, parades, food and drinks, art, scavenger hunts, prizes, bonfires, some early appearances by Santa Claus and, of course, some great deals on local goods came to a commercial district near you.

There are about 64,700 small businesses in Wyoming, according to the Small Business Administration. Chambers of Commerce and National Main Street Center members around the state are celebrated those entrepreneurs and their contributions to Wyoming’s economy Nov. 25 during Small Business Saturday.

American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010 to support shopping locally. Since then, communities in all 50 states have participated.

Glenrock, Laramie, Newcastle, Evanston, Rawlins, Buffalo, Green River, Rock Springs, Kemmerer, Cheyenne, Sundance, Thermopolis, all of Platte County, Basin, Cody, Lovell, Powell, Worland and Gillette are among the many Wyoming communities holding special promotions to encourage shoppers to keep local stores front of mind.

The Wyoming Business Council, the state’s economic development agency, supports local businesses in various ways.

The Business Council funds the University of Wyoming’s Business Resource Network, which offers services ranging from market research and business planning to manufacturing assistance and startup resources.

The agency also helps Wyoming businesses expand markets through the Grown in Wyoming and Made in Wyoming programs. Made in Wyoming is a great resource to find unique gift items for family and friends. There are more than 275 Made in Wyoming members creating products in Wyoming such as jams and jellies, seasonings, jewelry, apparel, home décor, fashion accessories, sporting goods, confections, children’s books, books about Wyoming and much more. Visit madeinwyoming.org for your local gift shopping.

Many communities have joined the Business Council’s Wyoming Main Street program, where they can receive technical assistance, expert support and financing for downtown projects.

Continue to full article and find out how your community is supporting shopping locally this holiday season. 

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