Downtown Winchester continued to demonstrate it is attractive to new growth, yet remains sustainable in 2019.

The district welcomed 12 new businesses, which created approximately 60 new full and part-time jobs. Eleven established businesses celebrated milestone anniversaries from five to 85 years of continuous operation.

Businesses new to downtown in 2019 include: Fifth Point Enterprises, Rankin Paynter, Winchester Design Studio, Bluegrass Hemp Lab, My Whole Heart Photography, Betsey’s Boutique Shop, The Cupcake Apothecary, Wildcat Willy’s Distillery, Traditional Bank, Forty-Six & 2, Tara’s Energy Healing and Frames on Main.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the first five years are the most critical for any new business. Businesses that celebrated anniversaries in 2019 include: WinFirst Bank (85 years), Winchester Insurance Agency (70 years), Ludwig, Blair & Bush (50 years), Tom Goebel Real Estate (45 years), Roy Fugitt Law Office, Brown Proctor Hair Design and Harper’s Pawn (35 years), Bridgewater Real Estate (25 years), Neely Barber Shop (20 years) and MK Beauty Bar and Arts on Main (five years). Only three businesses closed or relocated in 2019.

The Winchester Sun recently reported statistics from the national organization Independent We Stand, whose focus is community outreach and education on the benefits of shopping with independently owned businesses. The numbers show the strength of small businesses and the positive economic impact that results from success.

— Small businesses account for 65 percent of all net new jobs over the past 17 years in the US.

— Small businesses employ 77 million Americans.

— Residential neighborhoods served by a successful independent business district gained, on average, 50 percent more in home values than their citywide markets.

— Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales than chain competitors. Independent restaurants return more than two times as much money per dollar of sales than national restaurant chains.

— For every square foot a local firm occupies, the local economy gains $179 vs. $105 for a chain store.

“Main Street Winchester salutes all our downtown businesses and entrepreneurs,” Main Street Winchester President Tim Smith said. “To start a business or reach milestones of 5, 15, 50 and more years in business is a remarkable achievement. Thank you for investing in Winchester. Your hard work, dedication, and local spirit make Winchester a wonderful place to call home.”