Small Business Saturday: Supporting Local Entrepreneurs
Small Business Saturday takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. As established by American Express in 2010, This event promotes shopping at small, independent businesses to stimulate local economies. Moreover, shopping locally reduces transportation emissions and packaging costs, benefiting the environment. Read further about how you can creatively participate in this annual observance.
Key Info: Small Business Saturday
- When is Small Business Saturday?
Occurs on the last Saturday of November - This Year (2026):
Saturday, November 28, 2026 -
Future Dates
- Saturday, November 27, 2027
- Saturday, November 25, 2028
- Saturday, November 24, 2029
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Additional Details
- Observed By: Consumers, small business owners, and communities across the United States
- Where Is It Observed: United States
- Primary Theme: Small Business Support and Local Commerce
- Hashtags: #ShopSmall #SmallBusinessSaturday #SmallBizSat #ShopLocal
Quick links: Small Business Saturday
Why Small Business Saturday Matters
Small Business Saturday recognizes how local, independent shops enhance community character and contribute to the local economy.
However, despite their benefits, these establishments often face challenges. For instance, Money is usually tight, creating a constant financial juggling act. Imagine the stress of covering bills with minimal cash flow. Time, too, is a precious resource that always seems to be in short supply. Owners wear many hats, leading to a chaotic work environment.
The Small Business Saturday campaign is an opportunity for customers, authorities, and organizations to contribute to the success of these hardworking entrepreneurs.
7 Ways to Support Small Business
- Shop local whenever you can. Choose neighborhood stores over big box stores. You can also find unique gifts from artisans on platforms like Etsy, which directly supports small creators.
- When you shop online, leave positive reviews. Just a few kind words on Yelp or Google can work wonders, helping small businesses attract new customers who trust community feedback.
- Attend local farmers' markets or craft fairs where you can find hidden gems you can't see online. Plus, it's fun to meet the people behind what you buy.
- Buy gift cards from your favorite small businesses. This gives them steady cash flow, helping them survive slow seasons or unexpected downturns. They appreciate your support all year.
- Encourage tax breaks or incentives for small businesses in your community. Talk with local officials or support groups like Main Street America that work on revitalizing main streets.
- Volunteer your skills to help. If you're good at something like digital marketing or finance, platforms such as Catchafire connect you with small businesses that could use your expertise.
- If you are a business organization member, suggest creating partnerships and mentorship programs. Coordinate with local chambers of commerce to facilitate resources and networking opportunities to foster growth among small businesses.
Brief Timeline of Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday was first observed in the United States. The concept was initiated by the credit card company American Express as a way to encourage consumers to shop at small, local businesses.
The U.S. Senate officially recognized Small Business Saturday by cosponsoring them through the federal agency, Small Business Association.
American Express began offering small business owners free personalized online ads to promote their businesses on Small Business Saturday.
The U.S. Postal Service began a partnership with Small Business Saturday, offering a discount on shipping for small businesses during the holiday season.
Small Business Saturday saw an estimated $14.3 billion spent at small independent businesses, indicating the event's growing popularity and impact.
The Neighborhood Champions program was launched by American Express to promote Small Business Saturday in local communities. Over 4,100 Neighborhood Champions signed up.
An estimated 112 million consumers reported shopping at small businesses on Small Business Saturday, a 13% increase from 2015.
Small Business Saturday reached a record high, as consumers spent an estimated $15.4 billion at independent retailers and restaurants.
The number of consumers who shopped small on Small Business Saturday increased to an estimated 104 million.
The Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey reported that U.S. consumers who said they shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday spent a record high of an estimated $19.6 billion.
Small Business Saturday Dates and Hashtags
| November 26, 2022 |
| November 25, 2023 |
| November 30, 2024 |
| November 29, 2025 |
| November 28, 2026 |
Spread the support for small entrepreneurs online using the following hashtags:
- #SmallBusinessSaturday
- #ShopSmall
- #SupportLocal
- #BuyLocal
- #SmallBizSat
- #SmallBusinessSaturday
Conclusion
Small Business Saturday encourages people to build a habit of supporting small enterprises and promoting community engagement. Let us make supporting local businesses a regular practice, reflecting the spirit of the event year-round, and strengthen our own community through smart shopping.
Resources:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
This annual shopping holiday encourages consumers to support local businesses.
This event falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, just in time for holiday shoppers to start checking off their lists.
Every dollar spent at a local business circulates back to the local economy. Aside from stimulating the local economy, they create a sense of community through local business activity. Moreover, many local stores carry unique gifts, goods, and crafts in store that you cannot find anywhere else.
You can shop at local small businesses and spread the word about these shops on social media.
Shop local, but not just to beat the holiday shopping rush. Then, leave positive reviews and patronize local stores, events, and markets.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
