As the holiday shopping season kicks into full swing, Senator Jon Tester is encouraging Montanans to shop locally.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, small businesses are responsible for over 60 percent of job growth in the past 20 years and employ almost 50 percent of all the employees in the private sector.

“Small businesses drive Montana’s economy,” said Tester, a small business owner. “As we spend time with our families this weekend and gear up for the holiday season, I encourage folks to support the small businesses who are hiring our friends and family and strengthening our communities.”

Tester regularly hosts Small Business Opportunity Workshops to connect Montana businesses with the tools they need to start and grow their operations.

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