Saturday, November 28, 2020, is Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season.
Resources from American Express:
- Shoppers:
- Find participating small businesses in your community
- Small business owners:
- Marketing material and media resources
- Safe Shopping Guide
As Covid-19 cases spike around the country, curfews and other restrictions make recovery for small businesses even more challenging. Worse yet, the threat of another lockdown looms large over small businesses. Even a short-term lockdown of 2-4 weeks would serve as the final nail in the coffin for many establishments. Therefore, not only is it vital for people to do their holiday shopping at small businesses this year, but it is also imperative that they do their shopping sooner rather than later.
Of course, in store shopping is just one way to support your independent local establishments. You can also:
- Like/share/comment a post on social media
- Write a review
- Tell friends and family
- Sign up for their email list
- Purchase gift cards to be used later by you or as a holiday gift
- Shop directly from the businesses’ website
Given the rise of e-commerce and the proliferation of large chain stores into downtowns and main streets, small businesses have been fighting for their survival for years. Now they truly face an extinction-level event. Please join the SBA and organizations across the country in supporting your local small businesses by shopping small and local this year.
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