Small is the new big.

Today is Small Business Saturday. 

Poking around on the interwebs this morning, I was not able to locate a Shop Small Guide for Chicago as I was able to find for other cities like New York, LA, and Nashville. 

Yet, I did see some recommendations from the Chicago Tribune in articles like this one.

And, there is the Made in Chicago Holiday Market from the Sun Times at Plumber Hall today.

There is an ethical argument that it’s the right thing to do to support small business. Additionally, there is an economic argument to be made.

Small business is an important driver of the US economy.

More than 28 million private companies in the US account for at least 50 percent of the economy. Meaning, if Main Street is doing well, then our economy is most likely doing well.

I suspect I’m not the only small business cheerleader in Chicago.

Here are some additional reasons why I love to support local business owners:

1. I love having small business owners tell me their stories about why they feel compelled to create. Those stories might go something like this “I was looking for something. I couldn’t find it. I started making it. Then, I received so many requests from friends and family that I started making this thing for them and for other people.”
2. I love hearing their stories of success. Like Delphine at Nyet who tells a story that goes something like this “I was walking in to a restaurant in the Gold Coast, and I heard someone yell my name, I saw this person hang their arm out of their car window, and show me that they were wearing a piece of my jewelry. That was really fantastic.”
3. I recently read the "Year of Yes from Shonda Rimes, and I loved the bit where she writes about how doers are where it’s at—forget about dreamers. Small business owners are doers, and I applaud their efforts.

So, here are a few of my local Chicago favorites. I invite you to share your favorites with me so that I can add them to the list.

Nyet for leather jewelry, bags, and other accessories

West Byron for hats, scarves, and jewelry

Lucky Skye Graphics

Chutney Devis for healthy comfort food

Elby for baklava

Greer for amazing cards. Here is my most recent cards purchase. I mean, when I send this thank you card, I get thank yous. It's that good.

Art Effect for gifts and much more

Foursided for framing, cards and gifts

Chicago Bagel Authority

And, of course, neighborhood favorite: Heritage Bicycles

Please share with me your recommendations. I’ll be happy to publish an updated list with all your favorites next year in advance of Small Business Saturday.

Our economy depends on it.