ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A day after Black Friday, the Atlanta BeltLine held its annual Small Business Saturday event.
The event features dozens of local entrepreneurs at three pop-up sites along the BeltLine.
One of the locations was under Freedom Ridge Bridge in northeast Atlanta.
Adam Size is the owner of Atlanta Burns, a locally produced hot sauce company.
“Been in business for about two years. We have six sauces that we’re selling,” said Size.
Steven Cruz is the owner of Wildman Wood Burning.
“I trace everything out and I’ll hand wood burn, hand paint all the pieces that you see,” said Cruz.
The two were among other local entrepreneurs showcased at the event, which highlighted the small businesses that are the backbone of our community.
Both said being a small business owner comes with challenges.
“It’s tough. We have challenges with manufacturing and challenges with I’m not great at social media,” Cruz said. “It’s been difficult the last couple of years.”
Invest Atlanta is an economic development agency that receives funding from the city of Atlanta. The agency helps businesses through challenges like those.
Laurie Pickett, Invest Atlanta’s vice president of economic development, said some of their services are free.
“At Invest Atlanta, we work with our partners. We find ways to either have low-interest loans or grant opportunities,” she said. “We really want to tap into where the need is.”
Pickett also stressed the importance of shopping small more than just once a year — although Small Business Saturday is helpful, owners said.
“It’s a great way for people to come out and get something local for us,” said Size.
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