PITTSFIELD — While many small-business owners say they support the message behind Friday's nationwide “economic blackout” protest, they can’t afford to close their doors for a day.

“The political climate is very hot, but whatever it is that is going on, it’s extremely important to support the small local businesses, because otherwise we just won’t be here anymore,” said Aura Whitman, chef and part-owner at Berkshire Mountain Bakery Pizza Cafe in Pittsfield.

The grassroots protest called for people to avoid work, school and shopping on Friday as a way to pressure the federal government over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Minnesota. But for small businesses across Berkshire County, remaining open was an economic necessity — not an endorsement of ICE.

Businesses across the county posted similar comments on social media, stating their solidarity with those participating but expressing their need to remain open. The posts made clear that staying open — or shopping locally — should not be interpreted as support for ICE.

“We deeply respect, support, and align with the intention behind tomorrow’s national day of protest against ICE,” Pizzeria Boema in Lenox posted Thursday. “We completely honor anyone choosing to participate through withholding dollars, and we encourage directing that energy toward large corporations whenever possible. If you do decide to dine out, we hope you’ll consider supporting your local spots.”

Hexagon Bagel in North Adams decided to open with a pay-what-you-can menu featuring its signature items — bagels with cream cheese and hot coffee — while also offering its full menu and encouraging customers to pay in cash to keep money in the community.

“It is really cold out and we want to be available to anyone looking to warm up, have a conversation, organize, or eat a bagel,” the bagel shop posted.

The timing of the blackout day makes it even more difficult to participate because winter always tends to be a tough time for Berkshire's small businesses, Whitman said.

Small businesses already lost revenue this week after Sunday’s heavy snowstorm kept many people at home and away from shops and restaurants. Whitman said she supports avoiding large chains, noting that while they employ local workers, they have a larger financial “safety net” to continue paying employees.

“All of the customer support is really important right now,” Whitman said.

Donna Steinert, owner of Whispered the Heart boutique in Stockbridge, also said that a local business can take a financial hit if closed for a day.

“From our perspective, we are completely against what is happening with ICE and obviously the violence and the breaking of our Constitution," she said, "and we are in full support of boycotting businesses that are in support, both financially and politically, of those behaviors and the crimes that are happening against humanity right now.”

The first priority of a community place is supporting the community and working together to peacefully protest, Steinert said. She added it’s important to not to pretend like things are normal right now while still supporting local communities.

“It's a really difficult time of the year for small businesses in the Berkshires,” Steinert said. “And while we are in solidarity with boycotting the larger organizations pouring money into ICE, we feel like it's against the needs of our community, many of whom are immigrants, working in our local small businesses.”

As tensions continue to rise nationwide, Donna Hanson, a co-owner of Balderdash Cellars, said it’s important to approach people with empathy and lift community members up.

“Let’s remember to spread human kindness,” Hanson said, “and be careful with our choice of words.”