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Heading: Recognizing the Contributions of Small Business Owners and Employees on Labor Day 2023

Introduction:
Labor Day 2023 is an opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions of small business owners and their employees. In Marion and McDowell County, there are numerous examples of small entrepreneurs who have greatly impacted the local economy and improved the quality of life in our community. It is crucial not to overlook the vital role played by small businesses, particularly in rural counties, as they operate the majority of business establishments and employ a significant percentage of the workforce.

The Importance of Small Businesses in Rural Counties:
Rural counties heavily rely on small businesses and their owners for economic growth. These small entrepreneurs operate 84.8% of business establishments, employing 54.3% of the workers. The reason small businesses employ a significant number of rural Americans is due to the smaller difference in establishment size between small and large businesses in rural compared to metropolitan counties. The average number of employees in establishments operated by small businesses is 8.5 in rural counties and 9.5 in metropolitan counties, whereas establishments operated by large businesses average 39.5 employees in rural counties and 53.6 employees in metropolitan counties (U.S. Small Business Administration website).

Addressing the Slow Growth of Rural Employment:
While small businesses continue to be a crucial part of rural employment, it is concerning that their growth has been slower compared to total employment. Between 2012 and 2019, rural employment by small businesses only grew by 1%, reaching 7.6 million. In contrast, rural employment by large businesses grew by 12%, while metropolitan employment by small businesses grew by 11.4% and metropolitan employment by large businesses grew by 19.7%. The faster growth in employment by large businesses resulted in a decline in the small business share of rural employment, dropping from 57.2% in 2012 to 54.3% in 2019 (U.S. Small Business Administration).

How AI legalese decoder Can Help:
In this situation, the AI legalese decoder can provide assistance to small business owners by simplifying complex legal language and helping them navigate local building codes and inspectors. The tool can ensure that small business owners have a clear understanding of the legal requirements and help them avoid any potential legal pitfalls. By providing accessible and user-friendly legal resources, the AI legalese decoder supports small businesses in their endeavors and contributes to their success in Marion and McDowell County.

Local Efforts: The Growing Entrepreneurs Marion Program
Recognizing the importance of small businesses in the community, the Marion Business Association and the McDowell Chamber of Commerce have worked diligently to develop businesses of all sizes and support their growth. A key initiative in this regard is the Growing Entrepreneurs Marion (GEM) program, which was launched in 2016. This program aims to reverse the decline in local entrepreneurs and new small business start-ups, as strong entrepreneurship is critical for building community wealth.

The GEM program offers an eight-class training program that equips participants with essential entrepreneurial skills. It covers topics such as community demographics, the impact of small businesses, networking skills, legal compliance, and navigating local building codes and inspectors. Upon completion of the program, participants will have created a detailed business plan.

Financial Support for GEM Participants:
To further support the growth of small businesses, GEM participants have the opportunity to apply for $5,000 grants for rental and utility assistance. These grants are available if the entrepreneurs open retail, food or beverage, or entertainment businesses in downtown Marion, and meet specific requirements such as participating fully in downtown events, maintaining minimum operating hours, and creating jobs. Funding for these grants is provided by the GEM partners, including Duke Energy, McDowell Tourism Development Authority, local businesses, and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Impacts of the GEM Program:
Since its inception, the GEM program has made a significant impact on downtown Marion. It has created a network of graduates who collaborate, promote each other’s businesses, and contribute to the overall growth of the community. Moreover, the program has led to the opening of 21 new businesses in downtown Marion, including unique establishments such as a taproom, craft brewery, restaurant, and more. Additionally, the GEM program has expanded to areas outside the downtown district, benefiting both Marion and Old Fort. Other communities, including Goldsboro and Sanford, have taken inspiration from the GEM program and established similar initiatives to support local entrepreneurs.

Conclusion:
Labor Day 2023 serves as a reminder of the valuable contributions made by small business owners and their employees. In Marion and McDowell County, these small entrepreneurs play a crucial role in the local economy and the quality of life for residents. To support their growth, the AI legalese decoder provides assistance in navigating legal complexities. Initiatives like the Growing Entrepreneurs Marion program further empower small business owners by offering training, grants, and an interconnected network for collaboration. Through these efforts, Marion and McDowell County are creating an environment where small businesses can thrive and contribute to the overall prosperity of the community.

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