Celebrate Small Business Saturday: Support Local and Boost the Economy
What is Small Business Saturday?
Every year, Small Business Saturday encourages millions of shoppers to support local businesses instead of turning to big-box retailers. This initiative, observed annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. By choosing to shop local, not only do we support business owners and their employees, but we also give a significant boost to our local economy as well.
Local Impact: Investing in Community
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, shoppers spent a whopping $17 billion across the nation during Small Business Saturday in the previous year. The dollars spent in small businesses circulate within the community, helping them thrive and grow. Mercedes Chavez, the Outreach and Marketing Specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration New Mexico, emphasizes that the money spent locally helps keep neighborhoods vibrant and cultures rich.
“If you’re going to invest money, invest in the small business community, because that’s just the gift that keeps on giving all year long,” said Chavez.
Season of Small Business: A Campaign for Year-Round Support
This Saturday also kicks off the SBA’s annual campaign: Season of Small Business. The theme for this year is ‘Gift Big, Shop Local’. This campaign aims to motivate the community to support small businesses, not just on Small Business Saturday, but throughout the holiday season and beyond. Supporting these businesses during the bustling holiday season is crucial as it often helps them sail through slower months in the year.
Community Benefits: More Than Just Shopping
Buying from local stores means more than just an economic transaction. When you spend $100 at a local business, approximately $68 stays within the community. This sustains local jobs, encourages new venture startups, and maintains the character of our neighborhoods. As Shannon Guinn-Collins, Co-Owner of Bookworks, explains, Small Business Saturday is critical for their annual revenue and ensures they can survive leaner months like February and March.
“Small Business Saturday is kind of a really critical part of our overall holiday season, which makes or breaks the rest of our year,” noted Guinn-Collins.
Encouraging Conscious Consumerism
- Discover Unique Products: Small businesses often offer unique, handcrafted products that you wouldn’t find in a big-box store.
- Build Relationships: Shopping local allows you to form connections with business owners and employees.
- Personalized Service: Receive tailored advice and support from knowledgeable staff.
- Contribute to Environmental Sustainability: Reducing travel emissions by shopping locally helps improve environmental impact.
Making a Difference: How You Can Participate
Participating in Small Business Saturday is simple yet impactful. Here are a few ways you can contribute:
- Plan Your Shopping: Make a list of local shops to visit over the weekend.
- Engage in Social Media: Share your finds or recommend your favorite local businesses online.
- Gift Local: Choose locally made products for your gift-giving this season.
- Encourage Friends and Family: Motivate others to join you in supporting your community.
Looking Ahead: Support Beyond the Holidays
While Small Business Saturday kickstarts the movement, it’s crucial to continue supporting local businesses throughout the year. The patronage you offer in December can equate to sustainable business practices in months with fewer sales, ensuring the success of our community’s economic backbone. Remember that every small purchase contributes to something bigger—nourishing the well-being of the local environment.
Conclusion: Together, We Can Build Stronger Communities
Small Business Saturday is more than a one-day event; it’s a reminder of the power we hold as consumers in supporting our community. By actively participating in this movement, we embrace a culture of conscious consumerism and community support.
As you explore the unique shops in your area this holiday season, remember the bigger picture—your purchases are gifts not only to your loved ones but also to your community.
Source: https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/small-business-saturday/