WHEREAS, there are more than 33 million small businesses in the United States that support nearly 61.7 million
jobs; and
WHEREAS, every congressional district in the United States contains a small business; and
WHEREAS, Delaware’s small businesses include restaurants, retail establishments, service providers, startups in healthcare and financial technology; and
WHEREAS, the small business community makes significant contributions to the state’s economy and workforce; and
WHEREAS, according to Delaware’s Division of Small Business, Delaware is home to more than 27,940 small businesses, that represent 98% of all businesses in the state; and
WHEREAS, small businesses generated $12.8 billion in wages in fiscal year 2023 and employed nearly 227,129 Delawareans, which is more than half of the state’s workforce; and
WHEREAS, Delaware’s restaurant industry is a diverse and growing workforce with an estimated 6,800 jobs being added in the next 10 years; and
WHEREAS, Delaware supports small businesses through the Division of Small Business, Office of Supplier Diversity, Delaware Tourism Office, and Delaware Main Street Program; and
WHEREAS, the Delaware Division of Small Business encourages people to support small businesses by shopping locally, leaving positive online reviews, and spreading the word about our wonderful local businesses.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the month of May 2024 be designated “Small Business Month” in the State of Delaware.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Delawareans are encouraged to shop at locally owned small businesses in their communities to help keep money circulating in the local economy, supporting small businesses growth and sustainability.
