SBA Launches Small Business Saturday Campaign in Henryetta – Henryetta Named as a Focus City for the Season of Small Business™

WHEN: November 20, 2024

Henryetta, Oklahoma, is gearing up for a momentous occasion as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) highlights the town in its statewide efforts to promote Small Business Saturday. This recognition comes as part of the SBA’s 2nd annual holiday campaign, the Season of Small Business™, which encourages communities to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the holiday season.

Fernanda Pedraza-Schmitt, the SBA Oklahoma District Director, will kick off the event with a Small Business Tour in Henryetta on Friday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting at the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce. The tour will feature several local businesses and community leaders, showcasing the unique contributions small businesses bring to the local economy.

Tour Details

What: Henryetta Small Business Tour
When: November 22, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Begins at Henryetta Chamber of Commerce
Invited participants include key community leaders such as Chamber President Ashley Morris, Mayor Michael Dickey, Tourism Chair Amber Mordecai, and small business owners like Becky Webster of Caves Jewelry, Amanda Ellis of Rheba’s Buds and Blooms, and Melissa Wilhite of Mel’s Country Market.

Small Business Saturday, which falls on November 30th, has become a vital initiative for promoting local economies nationwide. SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses, calling them “the backbone of our economy and heart of our communities.”

Spotlighting Henryetta’s Small Business Heroes.
The tour will visit several Henryetta businesses, each showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of the town:

Caves Jewelry – Family-run jewelry business led by Becky Webster and family.
Beth Arabah – A unique boutique owned by Lavola Case.
Rheba’s Buds and Blooms – Amanda Ellis’s floral haven.
The Shack – Known for its distinctive charm, owned by Xan Robertson.
Burnett’s Furniture – A community staple run by Mark and Natalie Kirby.
Mona’s Rose of Sharon – Hosted lunch with Tiffany Lloyd and family.
Mel’s Country Market – A local gem operated by Melissa Wilhite.

This event is part of SBA’s larger effort to amplify the voices of small business owners and encourage local shopping throughout the holiday season. SBA’s Season of Small Business™ campaign will run through December, promoting the theme “Gift Big and Shop Local™.”

Henryetta’s selection as a focus city underscores its growing role as a hub for small businesses in Oklahoma. The event serves as an invitation for residents and visitors alike to explore and support the diverse range of local businesses that make Henryetta unique.

For more information on the SBA’s initiatives or to learn more about participating businesses, visit www.sba.gov.

Local residents and business owners are encouraged to join the movement and make a lasting impact by shopping small this holiday season.