We kicked off the month of May – National Small Business Month – with this quote because it so perfectly describes the heart and soul of small businesses. As this month of celebration draws to a close, we could share a steady stream of facts and statistics that show just how important small businesses are to our local economies and how critical it is to support them. We figure you’ve seen a lot of those though, so we’re taking a different view as we wrap up our favorite month. This blog is our opportunity to say thank you to every small business in every sector, in every corner of the country.

Thanks for making our communities stronger. You provide our neighbors with stable jobs, reliable income, and great places to work. Your logo is on the jerseys of youth sports teams and in the programs of fundraisers, a steadfast supporter of all that makes our community better. You lift up other local businesses by partnering with them as vendors and suppliers. You infuse our local economy with revenue that cycles back to schools, services, and projects that help us thrive.

Thanks for going the extra mile. No one puts more heart into their work than small business owners, and that ethos extends far beyond everyday transactions with customers. The fresh bowl of water you set outside your door for thirsty passing pups. The smile and genuine “Hello!” you give when we walk through that door. Your welcome advice and trusted expertise when we have questions or conundrums. The irresistible dish of candy at the checkout counter. These all seem like small things, but they have a cumulative effect that we notice and appreciate because they make us feel special.

Thanks for inspiring us to live our dreams. Running a business isn’t easy, especially when you’re up against well-funded megabrands. But your dreams are bigger than their big budgets and we are proud to support your product/service/idea because it was born and raised right here where we live. Some of us will take it a step further, using your success as the motivation to start our own ventures. And there’s no doubt that local kids are paying attention. Your work inspires this future generation of entrepreneurs to realize they too can turn their big idea into a promising reality.

Bay Area Development has had the honor of working with small businesses across California for more than four decades, and we are inspired every day by the people who turn their visions into ventures that make a difference for entire communities. From our entire team, a tremendous thank you for giving us the opportunity to help your business grow.