.svg)
Get ready to show some love to your neighborhood shops this November 30, for Small Business Saturday! Launched by American Express in 2010 as a counterpoint to the mass consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this special day aims to put a spotlight on the small, independent businesses that keep our communities vibrant. It's a great opportunity to discover unique, local gems and find the perfect gift while we're at it. So, mark your calendars and join in the fun of supporting local businesses!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of Small Business Saturday</div><div class='timeline-text'>American Express launches the first Small Business Saturday in response to small business owner's most pressing need - more customers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Government Support</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States Senate unanimously passes a resolution in support of Small Business Saturday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growth of Participation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Small Business Saturday garners 73.9 million people to "shop small" across the country.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Amex Unveils "Neighborhood Champion"</div><div class='timeline-text'>American Express initiates the "Neighborhood Champion" program to spur involvement in Small Business Saturday at a community level.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Record Spending</div><div class='timeline-text'>Small Business Saturday reaches a new record with an estimated $15.4 billion spent at independent retailers and restaurants by U.S. consumers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pandemic Impact</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite challenges from COVID-19, 112 million shoppers show their love for their neighborhoods by supporting local small businesses.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Plan a shopping day</h3><p class='facts-text'>Plan out which stores you want to visit and what unique items you're looking for. Make a day of it! You might be surprised at the treasures you'll find in your local area.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Eat local</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take breaks from your shopping to enjoy a meal at a local, independently owned cafe or restaurant. Not only will you be supporting local business, but you'll also get a feel for the local cuisine.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a block party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Bring your community together by organizing a block party or street fair. Invite local business owners to set up tables to showcase their goods and services. It’s a fun and creative way to support local entrepreneurs!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Buy gift cards</h3><p class='facts-text'>Purchasing gift cards from these places not only supports them financially, but when you give them as gifts, you're also introducing others to fantastic local businesses they might not have discovered otherwise.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Promote on social media</h3><p class='facts-text'>Use your social media accounts to shout out your favorite small businesses. This can either be in the form of a simple posted picture of a product you bought, a shared post from the business itself, or even just a text post tagging the business and spreading the love.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Supports Local Economy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to shop locally which helps to stimulate the economy in their own communities. Money spent in these local businesses is often reinvested locally, benefitting neighborhoods and towns directly.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Discover Unique Offerings</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Shopping at small businesses often yields unique finds you wouldn't encounter in mainstream retailers. Whether it's handmade crafts, local delicacies or quaint books, celebrating Small Business Saturday can lead to discovering one-of-a-kind gems right in your own neighborhood.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes Community Spirit</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>No other shopping experience fosters community spirit like Small Business Saturday. Whether it's through organizing a block party, eating local, or promoting businesses on social media, there are numerous ways to participate in this day that not only support small businesses but also creates a sense of community cohesion. This holiday strengthens local bonds and creates a sense of pride in one's own community.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over 99% of All U.S. Businesses are Small Businesses</h3><p class='facts-text'>Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, making up over 99% of all businesses and employing nearly 60 million people in the country.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Over $100 Billion Spent Since Small Business Saturday Inception</h3><p class='facts-text'>According to American Express, since the beginning of Small Business Saturday in 2010, consumers have reported spending an estimated $120 billion across all Small Business Saturdays combined.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>The #ShopSmall Hashtag Reaches Millions Each Year</h3><p class='facts-text'>The hashtag #shopsmall has been used and shared by millions of consumers and small businesses to voice their support for local businesses on social media.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Every State in the U.S. Celebrates Small Business Saturday</h3><p class='facts-text'>According to American Express, every state in the United States holds Small Business Saturday events, proving that it's a beloved tradition coast to coast.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Small Businesses Account for Nearly Two-Thirds of Net New Jobs</h3><p class='facts-text'>By supporting small businesses, consumers are promoting job creation. Small firms in the U.S. are responsible for creating two out of every three net new jobs, according to the Small Business Administration.</p></div></div>
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
