This week is National Small Business week! Established by the Small Business Administration more than 50 years ago, this week celebrates our local entrepreneurs who put their money, energy and heart into the businesses that shape the place we call home.

Our local businesses make Round Rock a more connected, unified place to live. When friends, business associates or family visit the area – more often than not, the local recommendations we make are small businesses that provide an experience that can’t be found anywhere else. This is more than simple local pride — it’s an example of these businesses building the truly unique sense of place and local culture that we love so much in Round Rock.

To celebrate the small businesses and entrepreneurs we have in our community, the Round Rock Chamber created a fun bingo challenge aimed to encourage Round Rock residents to learn more about and support our local small businesses. Complete the tasks on the bingo sheet and post a picture to social media for a chance to win a $25 gift card to a local small business.

Why Shop the Rock?

Not only does shopping locally help keep your favorite local businesses open — it also benefits your community!

When you purchase taxable goods and services in Round Rock, you pay 8.25 percent in sales taxes. 6.25 percent goes straight to the state of Texas, and the other 2 percent stays here in Round Rock.

Here’s the breakdown:

• 1 percent goes into the general fund to pay for basic local government services like police, fire protection, parks and the library. This covers more than one-third of the cost of these essential services.

• A half-percent of Round Rock’s sales tax directly works to reduce your property tax rates, thanks to a measure passed by Round Rock voters in 1987.

• The last half-percent of sales tax is for economic development – primarily in the form of major road projects.

There are plenty of great shopping centers and retailers in town, so what are you waiting for? Shop local — it’s the gift that keeps on giving!