Entrepreneurs took center stage, and Northstar Church’s parking lot, during the third annual Small Business Saturday Market in Panama City on Nov. 30.Shoppers, bundled in light jackets, strolled from booth to booth and explored an array of unique goods crafted by local artisans and small businesses.Shannon Pitt, proprietress of Isley Moon Disco, sold lightweight polymer clay earrings of seasonal designs. (More information on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isleymoon_disco/ )Joe Race, proprietor of Sunset Liberty 3D, sold toys and collectible figurines from an elaborate printer. (More information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/880512890546875/) Janice McEuen, proprietress of Bag Lady Designs, sold customized bags, shirts and mugs with health care, education, sports and parenting themes. (More information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bag-Lady-Designs/61563548130961/) Brenda Brewer, proprietress of Coastal Designs, sold beach-themed earrings, bracelets and key chains by using UV-cured resin. (More information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Coastal-Designs-by-Brenda-100077562430930/)
The holiday weekend and Small Business Saturday market celebrated creativity and community, as locals supported their neighbors’ dreams, turning the chilly last day of November into a heartwarming showcase of entrepreneurial spirit.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reported in 2023 that the projected spending in the U.S. from those who shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday was around $17 billion.Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and cosponsored by the SBA since 2011. The administration is the only Cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise.For more information about starting a business in Bay County, go to https://panamacity.org/business-development/
