Small Business Saturday was founded in 2010 by American Express, a company that continues as the event’s sponsor. It is on the Saturday following Thanksgiving each year, which means Small Business Saturday falls on November 29th this year. Small Business Saturday encourages people across the nation to shop at small businesses for at least this one day out of the year, and to change the world a little bit.
Several studies have shown that when you buy from a locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned business, much more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, which strengthens the economic base of the community. If thousands of people shop small, the economic impact can be huge.
Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting the local small businesses that create jobs, boost the economy, and preserve neighborhoods. Shopping at small businesses means investing in the community. Since local businesses are owned by people who live in the community, they are less likely to leave and are more devoted to the community’s future.
Nationally, small businesses are the largest employers and provide the most jobs to residents in our communities. They also reduce environmental impact because locally owned businesses are able to make more local purchases, which requires less transportation. This means they contribute less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution than nationally owned businesses. The fewer miles you drive by shopping local means you are also not contributing to pollution, too.
Local First Arizona is an organization that works towards creating a stronger economy, a more vibrant community, and better job opportunities for Arizonans. “For every $100 spent at a locally owned business,” the site claims, “$73 remains in the local economy, and $27 leaves.”
In many cases, your purchase at a small business allows the person or family who owns it to directly help someone local succeed. Many small businesses sponsor local sports teams or community events or groups that further contribute to a community’s prosperity. Shopping locally strengthens and enriches your community, while adding that personal touch that big box stores don’t.
So, instead of battling the crowds on Black Friday or shopping impersonally on Cyber Monday, get out and Shop Small during this year’s Small Business Saturday and be a part of your community’s success!
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