The Saturday after Thanksgiving marks more than just a day of rest from feasting and football; it is the beginning of an opportunity to celebrate AND support the lifeblood of our communities—our small businesses. This year, as we gear up for the holiday season, I invite you to join the movement that has captured the hearts of millions: Small Business Saturday and it’s extension, our Season of Small Business.
Small businesses are more than pretty storefronts and services. They’re vibrant hubs where communities gather, dreams take flight, and local economies thrive. A case in point is the fact that over 80% of Americans trust their small businesses, placing them higher than nearly any other institution in terms of confidence! This trust is not misplaced. Small businesses employ more than half of our workforce, support local nonprofits, and generate unparalleled local economic energy.
Yet, it is during the holidays that small businesses truly shine. Around 80% of small businesses report that the end of the year is critical to their bottom line. This is why Small Business Saturday, established by American Express in 2010 and co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011, has grown into a national tradition.
In fact, The National Retail Foundation indicates it was the second most popular shopping day in 2023, trailing only Black Friday. Building on this momentum, the SBA introduced the Season of Small Business to encourage local spending throughout this festive season.
By supporting small businesses, YOU are:
- Strengthening Local Economies: Every dollar spent at a small business circulates within the community, creating jobs and supporting local causes.
- Preserving Community Character: Small businesses bring diversity, charm, and a sense of identity to neighborhoods that big-box stores simply cannot replicate.
- Fostering Connections: Shopping small is personal. You are not just a transaction; you’re a valued neighbor.
This year, I encourage you to make Small Business Saturday a celebration of community.
- Plan a Day Out: Start with coffee at a local café, browse unique shops, and enjoy dinner at a favorite local eatery.
- Attend Local Events: Combine holiday activities like tree lightings or theater performances with visits to nearby businesses.
- Share the Love Online: Tag businesses in your social media posts and use hashtags like #ShopSmall, #ShopSmallSaturday, and #SeasonofSmallBiz and of course, let your followers know what unique gifts you are considering at these local small businesses. This will encourage them to follow you all the way to this small shop.
For small business owners, this is your moment to shine as well. The SBA offers free resources to help you make the most of the season, from marketing tips to downloadable materials. Visit our website here to learn more about Small Business Saturday and the Season of Small Business.
When you support small businesses, you’re not just shopping—you are investing in your community, preserving its culture, and helping it thrive. This holiday season, let us make a collective effort to keep our neighborhoods vibrant and strong by supporting them.
Together, let us celebrate Small Business Saturday and the Season of Small Business. It is a tradition that benefits us all—and a gift that keeps giving long after the holidays are over.
by Marlene Cintron
Atlantic Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration
About Marlene Cintron
Marlene Cintron is the SBA Regional Administrator for Region 2, serving New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A Bronx native, she has dedicated her career to fostering economic development and breaking barriers for communities across the region.
Marlene Cintron was appointed by President Joe Biden to oversee the SBA’s programs and services as the agency’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Northwest serving Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations.
For more information on how the SBA can assist your small business start, grow, expand or recover, please visit here. Para Español por favor visite aquí.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
