Shop local on Small Business Saturday, support Toys for Tots

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ith the holiday season upon us, it’s time for all of us to rally in the Lakes Region community to participate in Small Business Saturday. It’s the time of year to celebrate the unique offerings of our area’s small businesses. It supports the local communities, businesses, workers, environment and contributes to a sense of community. 

At Roche Realty Group, we also want to spread some holiday cheer with our annual Toys for Tots Drive at our Meredith office at 97 Daniel Webster Hwy. We’re asking community members to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need during this holiday season. The drop-off deadline for brand-new unwrapped toys is Wednesday, Dec. 10, at our Meredith office. Nancy Williams, Pk Zyla, and Amanda McDonald of Roche Realty Group are coordinating this drive to make sure that everyone in our area experiences the joy and magic of Christmas.  

What started Small Business Saturday? The initiative was started by American Express in 2010 to encourage shoppers to shop (in person or online) from local businesses and service providers. According to the American Express 2024 survey, the projected spending of U.S. consumers who shop at independent retailers and restaurants on Small  Business Saturday will reach an estimated $22 billion. 

The Small Business Association defines a small business as having 500 employees or less. According to a bank rate survey, 50% of Americans plan on shopping on Small Business Saturday. It is also estimated that 59% of Gen Z and Millennials will most likely shop on this day. The National Retail Foundation projects that the average American will spend $890.49 per person on holiday shopping. 

It’s shown that Black Friday remains the most popular day to shop, with 70% of shoppers. From Friday to Cyber Monday, it is predicted that 186.9 million people will shop in the country. There are statistics that indicate that for every $100 you spend at a locally owned business $68 will stay in the community, versus $43 if you buy from a national chain. It’s been calculated that shipping gifts and products produces 1 billion metric tons of CO2 a year, thanks to Amazon and the big-box stores.  

New Hampshire small businesses

According to statistics of the U.S. Business Census, in New Hampshire, we have  145,314 small businesses, making up 99% of all New Hampshire businesses. Nearly half of all New Hampshire employees (49.8%) work at a small business. These businesses employ over 309,420 employees or 50.3% of our state’s total workforce.  

Professional, scientific, and technical services are the leading industries for New  Hampshire small businesses, with 21,837 employees or 15.3% of small businesses.  Construction has 20,513 employees; Real estate, rental and leasing has 15,867 employees; other services (except public administration) has 13,289 employees; and retail trade has 12,896 employees — are New Hampshire’s small businesses’ second, third, fourth, and fifth leading industries.

85% of businesses that export goods in New Hampshire are small businesses, exporting goods worth $2.5 billion. There are 2,091 small business exporters that are responsible for 37.6% of New Hampshire’s $7.1 billion in export revenue. Aircraft and spacecraft parts were the largest export sector, valued at over 1.6 billion in 2024. 

Women made up 47.2% of workers and owned 41.3% of businesses. Veterans made up 5.2% of workers and owned 7.7% of businesses. Racial minorities made up 8.3% of workers and owned 4.7% of businesses. Hispanics made up 3.8% of workers and owned 3.3% of businesses. 

In New Hampshire, it was reported by WMUR that 85% of all businesses in the state are family-owned, an impressive statistic. It just shows the entrepreneurial spirit and tenacity of our state. 

I’ve always felt that New Hampshire is one of New England’s most business-friendly states. For example, as posted on politics in the New Hampshire Journal, New Hampshire remains the best New England state for businesses and taxpayers, with the best business climate in the northeast. With no sales tax, no state tax on individual earned income, no estate or inheritance tax, and no interest in dividends tax. 

According to a TurboTax expert CPA, New Hampshire in 2025 has the third lightest tax burden in the U.S. The Granite State stands out for its low overall tax burden. However,  property taxes are higher in New Hampshire compared to most states. 

The Lakes Region packs a powerful punch. The towns and cities throughout the Lakes Region offer a wide variety of small  businesses creating the fabric of our communities. You don’t have to look too far to find the goods and services you need from our region; it’s full of all sorts of opportunities. 

Proximity to the vast New England market means the entrepreneurs and business owners reap the benefits of trading in big cities, such as Boston, as well as our vibrant tourist and second-home market, and still establish a local identity in a small town. In the Lakes Region during our busy holiday season, it is so important to shop local and support the wide variety of small businesses throughout our region to create a thriving economy.

The New Hampshire Lakes region Tourism Association is a comprehensive organization that does a phenomenal job of promoting all our local businesses. The Greater Lakes  Region Chamber offers a wealth of resources together with the Meredith Chamber,  Wolfeboro Area Chamber of Commerce, and many other chamber organizations  throughout the region. 

The Belknap Economic Development Council is committed to  building a sustainable economic future for Belknap County by providing business  development resources and funding for the multitude of businesses throughout the region. Support Local Lakes Region NH on Facebook is one example of a group that connects local small businesses to network with other local businesses. 

New Hampshire Lakes Region Business is another example. Best of the Lakes Region, this magazine, showcases and celebrates the businesses, people, and places the Lakes Region loves the most — as voted by readers, with 306,000 votes cast.  

So, let’s get out there on Saturday and support our local businesses in the Lakes  Region. While you are out there over the next two weeks, up until Wednesday, Dec. 10, please stop by our office at Roche Realty Group. 

Our location at 97 Daniel Webster Hwy. is a collection site for Toys for Tots, a program run by the U.S. Marine Corps, which distributes toys to local children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. ‘Tis the season for giving by dropping off a new, unwrapped gift, so you can surprise a youngster this Christmas.

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This article was written by Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith and Laconia, and can be reached at 603-279-7046. Visit

rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.