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Small businesses represent a significant economic influence in local communities. Yet most small businesses still need help and Small Business Saturday (November 30) provides the perfect opportunity for small businesses to promote themselves and earn much-needed revenue. Customers and larger businesses can also find excellent ways to support small businesses on Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 by American Express. The holiday was meant to raise awareness to small shops, merchants, and restaurants and encourage people to patronize those businesses. Due to the pandemic and inflation, many small businesses have been struggling in recent years to stay open. According to American Express, Small Business Saturday has greatly boosted these companies' sales, and the total revenue brought in by the holiday over the last fourteen years is approximately 200 billion dollars.
Small businesses help improve the economy of local communities as well. Not only do they bring in revenue and sales taxes, they also increase the number of new jobs. According to a Bankrate survey, 54% of customers believe that small businesses give better customer service than larger corporations. Environmentally-friendly buyers prefer small businesses because less customer traveling and shipping transport leaves a smaller carbon footprint.
Customers can find all kinds of goods from local businesses from handmade crafts to locally grown produce. If customers need help finding small businesses, they can do an online search. Instead of major store brands and chain restaurants, try local businesses; you might find a new favorite brand or meal.
If customers enjoyed their experience, they should leave a positive review online such as Google and Yelp. They should go on social media platforms and tag the small businesses in their posts and give positive feedback. Word of mouth among family and friends remains a huge influence. If you know someone will particularly like a business, buy that person a gift card to that shop or restaurant.
Larger businesses can help give small businesses a needed hand not only on Small Business Saturday, but year round. Big companies, especially promotional products companies can produce flyers and posters for small businesses to use on Small Business Saturday. Different businesses might co-sponsor a business convention or charity event together. Larger businesses should consider distributing goods from small businesses so both sides benefit. Corporations might give employees and clients gift cards to small businesses. Corporate executives should schedule meetings with small business owners to offer marketing strategy advice or help them set up an online store. If the owner needs a loan, give them names of reputable lenders.
If you would like more information on small businesses in your area or more tips on excellent ways to support small businesses on Small Business Saturday, please contact one of our representatives.