Celebrating the Small Businesses That Power Our Economy—and Our Community

May is Small Business Month, which makes it a perfect time to pause and recognize the extraordinary role small businesses play in the health of our economy and the fabric of our community.

When we talk about “small business,” we’re not talking about a niche part of the economy. We’re talking about the economy. There are nearly thirty-six million small businesses in the country. Nationally, small businesses account for roughly half of private‑sector employment and are responsible for the majority of new jobs created each year. Here in St. Joseph County—and across northern Indiana—that reality is even more visible. Small businesses line our main streets, anchor our neighborhoods, and give our communities their distinct identity.

They’re the coffee shops where meetings begin, the manufacturers quietly supplying global markets, the contractors helping families build and remodel homes, and the retailers who know their customers by name. Small businesses are often the first to sponsor a Little League team, donate to a school fundraiser, or step up when a local need arises. Their economic impact is significant—but their community impact is immeasurable.

This is personal to me. I come from a family of entrepreneurs who believed deeply in that connection between business and community. My great‑grandfather, both of my grandfathers, and my parents all owned and operated small businesses right here in this region. The Tribe‑O‑Rea Drug Store in Mishawaka and the Cumberland Pharmacy in Bourbon weren’t just places to pick up a prescription—they were gathering places, employers, and trusted institutions. Those businesses helped shape my understanding of work, service, and responsibility. They also showed me firsthand how owning a small business is rarely easy but always meaningful.

That perspective stays with me in my role at the South Bend Regional Chamber. About 80 percent of our members have 20 employees or fewer. These business owners are problem‑solvers, risk‑takers, and long‑term investors in our community. They navigate rising costs, workforce challenges, changing technology, and shifting consumer expectations—often all at once. And yet, they continue to show up every day, building something not just for themselves and their families, but for the communities they call home. Each day I’m inspired by their stories.

Supporting small businesses isn’t just a feel‑good idea; it’s a sound economic development strategy. In fact, our regional strategy rests on three essential pillars. First, new businesses must start. Startups bring innovation, energy, and new ideas to the marketplace. Second, existing businesses need to grow—because expansions, promotions, and reinvestment create stable, long‑term jobs. And third, we need to attract new businesses from outside the region that can complement and strengthen our existing economy. All three matter, and none succeed in isolation.

That’s why Small Business Month matters. It’s a reminder that the choices we make as consumers—from where we grab lunch to where we shop for gifts—have real consequences. When you patronize a small business in your neighborhood, more of those dollars stay local. They circulate through wages, local purchasing, and community giving. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways any of us can invest in our region’s future.

If you’ve ever thought about starting your own small business, there are many great resources out there to help guide and inspire you along the way. Many of those are free. I would start with the US Chamber of Commerce. There you’ll find dozens of articles ranging from business ideas and strategy to an A-Z guide for launching your business. Your local chamber can connect you with additional resources to help you on your journey.  

So, this month, I encourage you to try a new local restaurant. Choose a locally owned service provider. Thank a small business owner you know. These businesses are the backbone of our economy—and for many of us, they’re part of our personal story as well. They deserve to be celebrated, not just in May, but all year long.