Idahoans are encouraged to support Idaho small businesses on Friday, May 21, 2021 

BOISE, Idaho – Today, U.S. Senator Jim Risch and the Idaho Department of Commerce announced the launch of the second annual Support Local Gems Initiative, which will serve as an all-day event to support Idaho small businesses as they come off a year of significant challenges.     

On Friday, May 21, 2021, Idahoans are invited to Support Local Gems by giving their business to their favorite local shops and restaurants. Idahoans can get involved by shopping at a small business, dining safely at an independent restaurant, purchasing a gift card for a loved one, writing a review online, or simply saying “thank you” to a small business they love. 

Additional partners of the Support Local Gems initiative include Governor Brad Little, Senator Mike Crapo, Rep. Mike Simpson, Rep. Russ Fulcher, Association of Idaho Cities, Idaho Association of Counties, Idaho Chamber Alliance, Idaho Retailers Association, Idaho Lodging and Restaurant Association, Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry, the Boise Metro Chamber, and more.      

“Over the last year, Idaho’s independent retailers and restaurants did an exceptional job adapting to the challenges of the pandemic. But even as life begins to return to normal, small businesses still need support,” said Risch. “On Friday, May 21st, give your support to the small businesses - the local gems - that power Idaho’s economy and make our communities thrive.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they need our support now more than ever before. At the state level, we prioritized resources for small businesses in our pandemic response. On a personal level, we can all support small businesses with our dollars,” Little said.         

Background: Last year, Idaho’s small businesses faced unprecedented hardships as they worked to remain viable through the pandemic. In an effort to support them, Senator Jim Risch and the Idaho Department of Commerce launched Support Local Gems to encourage Idahoans to shop and dine locally. On the second annual Support Local Gems initiative, Idahoans are encouraged to once again give their full support to the small businesses – the local gems – that make Idaho a special place to live and grow.       

If your organization or small business would like to get involved in the Support Local Gems initiative, visit www.risch.senate.gov.

# # #