Shop Local and Give Back in McMinn County this December!

Join us in saying “thank you” by shopping local and giving back at McMinn County businesses and nonprofits. You can make a difference during the holiday season and throughout the year. We at McMinn County Economic Development Authority are proud of McMinn County and its many organizations that grow our local economies and offer assistance to our community members.

Small Businesses Spur Economic Growth in McMinn County, TN

In November of last year, American Express reported the results of its 2022 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey. According to the results, $0.68 of every dollar spent at a U.S. small business stays within the local area. Not only do small businesses strengthen local economies, but they also generated 63 percent of new jobs from 1995 to 2021.

This year, we hope that residents of McMinn County consider showing their support and shopping local! This can act as an excuse to treat yourself at some of your favorite local mom-and-pop shops, independent retailers, restaurants, cafes, and service providers while giving back at the same time.

We sincerely appreciate all of the fantastic small businesses in McMinn County, including:

• All Things New Boutique
• Etowah Nutrition 
• Grandma's Gingerbread Bakery 
• Johnson's Department Store 
• Junebug’s Vintage
• Patriot Cakes Restaurant & Bakery
• The Cozy Corner by A&J 
• Starr Mountain Outfitters
• Greeks Bearing Gifts
• Blue Front Coffee

The above is only a short list of small businesses in McMinn County, as there are so many others. Do you know of any you would like to show appreciation for?

Nonprofits in McMinn County Need Your Help!

Nonprofit organizations are incredibly valuable, not just to their cause but also to the economy. The nonprofit sector is the third largest employer in the U.S., providing approximately 12.3 million jobs according to the most recent data from 2016. 

Nonprofits and charities in McMinn County continue to make a positive difference by helping children, animals, the underprivileged, the environment, and more. We at the McMinn County Economic Development Authority hope that McMinn County community members will consider making a monetary donation or volunteering to these organizations. We are incredibly grateful for all of the nonprofits and charities in McMinn County, including:

• Athens Area Chamber Of Commerce
• Athens-McMinn Family YMCA
• CASA - Corridor of East Tennessee 
• Coordinated Charities of Athens
• Habitat for Humanity of McMinn County
• Keep McMinn Beautiful
• McMinn County Living Heritage Museum
• McMinn Senior Activity Center
• St. Paul’s Table Graces
• Sweetwater Valley Dog Rescue
• Tri-County Center
• United Way of McMinn & Meigs Counties

This is only a brief list of nonprofits in McMinn County, as there are so many others! Do you know of any nonprofits or charities in McMinn County you would like to recognize?

Support Small Businesses and Nonprofits in McMinn County, TN

Shop local, volunteer, and make donations in McMinn County, whether it’s for a special occasion or any regular day. Those interested in launching a business in McMinn County can contact the McMinn County Economic Development Authority with questions at (423) 745-1506 or info@makeitinmcminn.org. We are happy to provide information and resources to help you Make it in McMinn!