A report released Thursday from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that inflation went up in August.
April Wood is the Garner Downtown Economic Development Administrator. She says they meet quarterly with local businesses to check in with them.
She says staffing, not inflation, has been a major concern for small business owners.
"Some issues with staffing and just keeping employees, that's where part of the problem seems to be," she said. "And then foot traffic, which we've tried to combat."
Mary and Curtis Smalling own and operate the Banks Bed & Breakfast in downtown Garner.
The Banks House has been part of Garner's history since the late 19th century, over a century before the Smalling's opened its doors as a bed and breakfast.
"We kind of had this plan of opening up this bed and breakfast and an event space for community members," said Mary Smalling. "I get a chance to spend time with people talking about the history of the house. There are a lot of people who come here because they're interested in history."
Smalling designed each of the four rooms and cooks for guests every morning.
Now the North Carolina Commerce Department recognized the bed and breakfast as a Certified North Carolina Destination Business.
"When I got the letter and it was official and I knew we would be on the Main-to-Main Trail Map, that was exciting," she said.
To help out small businesses, the town hoped to increase foot traffic with a summer concert series.
The bed and breakfast is even hosting events to encourage more people to visit their local businesses.
"If you really want to get to know the community you're visiting and have maybe even a more peaceful time, I would encourage you to look at small businesses," said Smalling.