Did you know that more than 80% of Americans trust small businesses and believe it’s important to support them? This 2024 Small Business Saturday is for you.
Americans understand that small businesses contribute to the relevancy of their communities, support local non-profits, employ more than half of our workforce and are a significant economic engine both locally and nationally. Additionally, about 80% of small business owners say that the end of the year spending by customers is important for their bottom line.
“We encourage people who invest in their communities to actively participate in Small Business Saturday and the Season of Small Business,” saidAllen Thomas,regional administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration. “This is the season for entrepreneurs to shine!”
According to Thomas: “The Saturday after Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season is the perfect time to drop by unique retail shops, scrumptious eateries and businesses offering memorable experiences. Even if you prefer to shop online, you can still purchase goods and services from small businesses through their websites.”
Small Business Saturday was launched by American Express in 2010, with the SBA joining as a co-sponsor in 2011. Since then, the popularity of Small Business Saturday has grown significantly. According to the National Retail Foundation, 2023’s Small Business Saturday was an incredibly popular shopping day. To build on this holiday tradition, the SBA launched the Season of Small Business last year to encourage local spending throughout this festive time of year and beyond November 30.
Wherever you live, small businesses are eager to meet your needs this holiday season. Here are some ideas to celebrate Small Business Saturday and the Season of Small Business:
- Make supporting small businesses a full day of fun! Begin your day by inviting a friend to enjoy a warm beverage and treat, take in some small business shopping, try out a new eatery for lunch, visit a hands-on craft shop for an activity then top off the day with a relaxing dinner at a favorite local restaurant.
- Go to an in-town activity like a tree-lighting, community theater show or choir performance, visiting a local restaurant before or after. It’s also a terrific way to interact with others who love your community too.
- Take pics when you’re shopping, eating or experiencing a small business. Check-in at the business, post to social media and tag the business. Let others know about your memorable experience. Use hashtags for even more exposure: #ShopSmall, #ShopSmallSaturday and #SeasonofSmallBiz
- Set aside a portion of your holiday budget specifically for small business products and services.
Be sure to make a positive impact on your own communities by shopping and dining small on Small Business Saturday and throughout the Season of Small Business and know that you have made a positive contribution to your own community.
