Successful small business owners make a big impact in their communities. Often, the wealthiest and most influential members of small towns are successful entrepreneurs. They have the resources to invest in local projects they care about and make the time to serve in community organizations.
If you’re a small business owner, take a moment to be thankful today. No one can cut your job or replace you with AI. You won’t be laid off due to corporate downsizing or a government shutdown. Of course, you face many challenges—rising costs, economic uncertainty, and tough competition—but there are still many blessings for which you can give thanks.
As Thanksgiving approaches, reflect on the many benefits that come with being a business owner. Beyond wealth and influence, here are a few blessings worth celebrating:
Independence
As the business owner, you are the boss. You determine which products or services to offer, set your prices, make hiring and firing decisions, and decide how your business operates.
Values
Your business can reflect your personal values. If you are a person of faith, you can live out your beliefs through your work, supporting charities and causes close to your heart.
Goals
You define what success looks like. It doesn’t have to be measured only by revenue or contracts. Success might mean creating jobs, having the flexibility to spend more time with your children, or being able to support local initiatives.
Flexibility
You determine your hours and shape your work environment. As your business grows and you delegate responsibilities, you can enjoy a healthier work-life balance.
Satisfaction
There is deep satisfaction in building a business from the ground up and knowing you’re contributing to your local economy. Following your passion and aligning your work with your values is incredibly rewarding.
Decision-Making
You have the freedom to innovate and try new ideas. You set the policies that shape the experiences of your employees and customers, creating a company culture where people feel valued and enjoy doing business.
Generational Wealth and Legacy
Many entrepreneurs build businesses that become family legacies. When children grow up working in the company and eventually take it over, the rewards of ownership extend across generations.
When my husband and I owned our pizza restaurant, I was grateful for the chance to work alongside my husband and sons. Together, we built a business we were proud of. We spent more time together as a family and taught our sons the value of hard work and pride in a job well done.
We had opportunities to support our local schools by providing food for the high school after-prom lock-in, buying ads in football programs, and delivering pizzas for class parties. We supported local businesses, created jobs, and developed a loyal customer base. We were deeply involved in our small town, and everyone knew us—it was a wonderful experience.
After a few years, we decided the demands of business ownership no longer fit our lifestyle and chose to sell the business. But we’ll always be thankful for the opportunities and lessons that came with owning it.
In the coming weeks, we’ll explore ways to express gratitude to your employees, customers, and community.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
— Colossians 3:17
Susan's Reflections 