FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 29, 2021

ATHENS, Ala. – In honor of National Small Business Week (May 2 – 8, 2021), Athens Main Street plans to spotlight downtown merchants and restaurants for the entire month.

According to United States Small Business Administration (SBA), more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create nearly two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.  Downtown Athens is no exception. Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson says many businesses in downtown are small businesses.

In 1963, the SBA has recognized the contributions of entrepreneurs and small business designating the first week in May as Small Business Week.  Beginning May 2, 2021, and continuing throughout the month of May, Athens Main Street will spotlight downtown Athens’ small businesses.

“We want to share their stories and get the word out to our community that our small businesses are a strong and vital part of our local economy,” said Richardson.

Athens Main Street will also spotlight not only the businesses but the business owners in a #FacesofSupportLocal campaign.

Square Clock Coffee and Epiphany Boutique owner Dawn Douthit said, “We are always so grateful to folks in Athens for shopping local. Because people are gracious enough to shop with us, we can hire ten excellent young ladies to work in our boutique and coffee shop, we are able to use local craftsmen to do our carpentry and electrical work, and our taxes stay local improving quality of life right where we live.”  Douthit continues, “We are always mindful of what a great community this is, and we hope we positively impact the atmosphere in Athens and especially on the Square.”