Small Business Week celebrates growth, community support in Durham
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Small Business Week is shining a spotlight on the effect that entrepreneurs have on the local economy, and in downtown Durham, that influence is visible every day.
At The Velvet Hippo Bar and Lounge, owner Sarah Matista is hard at work hours before opening, preparing for the evening crowd. She opens the rooftop bar's windows and stocks shelves with ingredients for the venue's signature cocktails.
"Business has been amazing. It's even bigger than we planned and dreamed for it to be," Matista said.
The rooftop bar, known for its tropical atmosphere and signature cocktails, markets itself as an inclusive space with a wide-ranging menu. Matista and her four female co-owners are celebrating three years in business this year.
When you buy from a small business, you support the greater community outside of us. Like a raindrop in a pond -- it creates a ripple all over.- Ashleigh Ratchford, owner of Ashleigh Bakes
"We're an everybody bar," she said. "We have a wide variety of things on the menu for everyone."
The celebration comes as part of Triangle Small Business Week, themed "Small Businesses Do Big Things."
Downtown Durham is home to nearly 250 small businesses, including restaurants, retail shops, fitness studios and salons. Most are locally owned, and about 40% are owned by women.
"I love that Durham is above average," said Ashleigh Ratchford, owner of Ashleigh Bakes. "It celebrates women and small business owners."
Ratchford has seen that support firsthand. Her small storefront at 307 W. Main St. has served as a launching pad for her business in the past year, offering space for women and for minority-owned entrepreneurs to establish themselves downtown.
Now, she's preparing to expand.
"We are moving to 111 W. Main, right above Primrose and next to Flavor Hills. Super excited about that," Ratchford said.
The new location will offer customers a more hands-on experience, along with an expanded menu.
Ratchford said supporting small businesses has a ripple effect across the community.
"When you buy from a small business, you support the greater community outside of us," she said. "Like a raindrop in a pond -- it creates a ripple all over."
In celebration of Small Business Week, Ashleigh Bakes is offering 20% off orders of more than $20, while The Velvet Hippo is featuring half-price bottles of wine on Monday, giving customers plenty of ways to support local businesses.
