In Williamson County alone there are over 1500 small businesses, and these represent 99.6% of all businesses in our county. ²

Small businesses are the cornerstone of our economy, providing job stability, tax revenue, and a unique local multiplier effect that keeps money circulating within the region.

As consistent job creators, small businesses tend to invest back into our local economy. Every dollar spent at a local independent business, up to 3.5 times more wealth is generated in the local economy. ³They also sustain public services by bolstering the local tax base through property and sales taxes. These directly fund our county schools, roads, and public safety.

Civic engagement is strong within our small business community – providing support to local charities, youth sports, and new civic groups.

Locally owned boutiques, restaurants, entertainment centers, and wineries define the character of our various towns, attracting tourists and new residents who further drive economic growth.

Tourism is a record-breaking economic driver for Williamson County, generating significant local revenue, supporting thousands of jobs and funding essential public services. In 2024 visitors spent an estimated $225 million in Williamson County alone. ⁴

Vital to any economy, Tourism creates jobs, generates tax revenue, and increases foot traffic that benefits locally owned shops, restaurants, and wineries. Williamson county serves as a premier destination in Southern Illinois for live entertainment, dining, and large sporting events. By attracting outside spending, tourism helps fund community enhancements such as park improvements that residents can enjoy year-round.  

Small businesses and tourism work hand-in-hand through direct revenue growth and sector-specific support such as food & beverage and retail. Job creation and retention is supported by tourism contributing to over 1700 local jobs in our area. Beyond direct sales, tourism creates indirect and induced impacts as well. Small businesses that don’t directly see tourists benefit when tourism-facing businesses buy their services or when their employees spend their wages locally.

Promotional exposure from tourism bureaus like VisitSI and state campaigns like Middle of Everything actively promote small businesses as primary destinations, generating millions of dollars in spending for hotels, restaurants, and local shops.  We at VisitSI are proud of our local businesses and all they do for our community, as well as the great strides that Willamson County is making in the tourism industry.