Time for `Shop Small For Fall' event

That corner market or dry cleaners? The janitorial and real estate firm downtown? How about the fast-food restaurant and the clothing boutique at the mall?

They're small businesses and, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, they create more than 66% of net new jobs. A recent report also shows that small businesses account for 44% of total U.S. economic activity.

And this is the time of year when those numbers really come into view: the holiday season.

Contributing to the numbers in their own way will be Solano Community College Supports Small Business with “Shop Small For Fall” event Dec. 1 at the school's main campus in Fairfield.

Sponsored by the school's Entrepreneur Club, the mercantile activity starts at 10 a.m. and continues to 3 p.m. at the college, 4000 Suisun Valley Road, Building 1400.

Described in press release as “a small-business pop-up event,” its aim is to support and promote small businesses within the surrounding area and businesses operated by students.

With support from the Solano Small Business Development Center, the club has coordinated with many vendors and local businesses.

“We will have a variety of local vendors that will have their services available and products on display for purchase,” Tim Murrill, director of the Solano Small Business Development Center, said in the press statement.

Small businesses are often first to feel the effects of a slowing market. With current conditions changing daily, the school's Entrepreneur Club has coordinated its efforts to support these local vendors, as small businesses account for a sizable portion of the county's workforce.

College staff members will be on site to answer questions about the more than 60 programs at the school.