Page 8 - Explore Faulkner County 2020

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2020
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • EXPLORE FAULKNER COUNTY
SARAH DECLERK/RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION
The Conway Convention and Visitors Bureau started the #ConwayToGo Facebook group as a way to let local businesses and restaurants publicize their specials. The group had more than 9,500 members.
BIG ON
SMALL BUSINESSES
Local shops, stores and restaurants thrive in Faulkner County
BY CODY GRAVES / CREATIVE SERVICES WRITER
From a one-person operation working out of a spare bedroom to a factory employing hundreds, small businesses are the backbone of the United States economy.
According to the U.S. Small Business Ad- ministration, there are about 30.7 million small businesses that provide goods and ser- vices to their communities while employing the folks who work there. e SBA defines a small business as a company with fewer than 500 employees.
In Faulkner County, most businesses are counted as small businesses and contribute to the local economy through employment,
tax revenue and community involvement. Here are some ways that small businesses impact the area.
GREENBRIER
With about 150 members, the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to assist small businesses in getting started, networking and other areas, such as advertising. Dustin Chapman, president of the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce, said small businesses are important because the city has a dedicated sales tax that helps pay for area amenities, such as the fire station and a new park.
“Small businesses just do things in a way that big businesses don’t,” he said. “[People] shop local, and these local businesses will turn around and support softball teams for the kids.”
Chapman said many area businesses were able to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic by either going online only, offering pickup or by adapting their products. Ashton Pruitt, owner of Southern Savvy, a clothing boutique, started making face masks and made special T-shirts that recognized local salon owners. Since salons were shut down, one could buy a shirt dedicated to their favorite hairdresser, and the funds went to the business.