Why having Amazon come to the Triangle might not be so bad

When the Triangle made the shortlist for potential locations of Amazon's second headquarters (HQ2) some of us could hear a collective sigh of fear and trepidation for what might threaten our small town quality of life. Amazon HQ2 could bring more traffic, more clutter, more congestion, and exacerbate an already dire affordable housing shortage. 

However, I'm excited about the potential opportunities that could arise for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Aside from being in need of tech-savvy minds, Amazon HQ2 will also need an entire ecosystem of suppliers supporting their operations. These needs inspire in socially responsible companies to employ a supplier diversity program. According to the Small Business Administration, supplier diversity is a business program that promotes using businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ, and other historically underutilized business groups. 

In a city like Durham where many suffer from suppressed wages that have not kept up with the pace of development and growth, enterprising entrepreneurs can win the chance to promote and expand their business. While I am not a developer or city planner, I'm hopeful that this is one bright side of Amazon HQ2 deciding to pick us.