What is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday began in 2010 by American Express as a promotion in which small businesses could sign up to receive $100 in free Facebook ads and AmEx cardholders who pledged to use their cards on Small Business Saturday received a $25 credit.
When is Small Business Saturday?
Taking place on the Saturday after Black Friday, where major retailers hold deals that send shoppers sprinting through the doors and fighting over flat-screen TVs, Small Business Saturday was a way to drive spending dollars to smaller retailers during the holiday shopping season.
Why Small Business Saturday is Important
It has since grown into a movement well outside of the AmEx customer-base and focuses on the benefits of spending your dollars at small businesses.
When you buy at a local company, you’re supporting your local economy – more of the dollars you spend stay local, more jobs stay local, and the business owner is – you guessed it – local. That means shopping local supports the community where you live.
Beyond supporting your local economy, you’re also making a positive impact on the environment. When you buy local, there is less waste from packaging and less fossil fuel used to ship your items from location to location.
So as the shopping season jumps into full swing, avoid the rush at the nearest major retailer on Black Friday and consider picking up gifts on Small Business Saturday instead!