Small business activity in the Sherman and Denison area is expanding, according to local leaders and a recent national study. Sarah McRae, the Sherman tourism and Main Street manager, noted that new establishments are clustering in historic districts, creating a concentrated environment that generates steady customer traffic.
A report from CoworkingCafe places the Sherman-Denison region at 58th among small metropolitan areas in the United States for small business presence. The study also highlighted the area’s labor market, noting a 1.9 percent unemployment rate, which ranked sixth best among the small metros analyzed.
Business owners in the region cite this growth as a positive development. Alec Hilliare, co-owner of The ROI Guys, stated that the influx of industry and development in Grayson County has created a dynamic environment for local enterprises. He and his partner both grew up in the county and view the current expansion as a significant opportunity.
Employment figures in Denison reflect this trend. Donna Dow, the Denison Main Street director, reported that the downtown area currently employs 1,101 full-time workers and 373 part-time staff. Dow indicated that community events are a primary driver of sales, with business owners reporting their highest revenue days coincide with scheduled local activities.
Visibility is another factor contributing to local success. Jenna Toland of The ROI Guys explained that the downtown location allows passersby to discover the business is locally owned. She described instances where customers contacted the company after realizing it was a local operation, a connection that might not have occurred in a less visible setting.
