Support Small Business Saturday, November 29th: A Celebration of Local Entrepreneurs

As we approach Small Business Saturday, a special occasion encouraging us to shop locally and support small businesses in our communities, we must recognize these entrepreneurs’ significant role in our economy and culture. From charming boutiques to cozy cafes, small businesses are:

• The heartbeat of our neighborhoods
• Providing unique products
• Personalized services
• A sense of belonging

Why Small Business Saturday Matters:

1. Economic Impact: Small businesses create jobs, stimulate local economies, and contribute to the tax base.

• *Most businesses are small- 99.9% of American businesses.
• There are 36.2 million small businesses in the United States.
• Small businesses employ about 59 million Americans, totaling 45.9% of private sector employees.
• From 2023 to 2024, about 1.1 million new small businesses were opened.
• Small businesses contribute to a large share of the U.S. GDP; historically between 43.5% and 50.7%.
• Massachusetts alone has about 756,096 small businesses making up about 99.5% of all businesses in the state.
• There are about 1.5 million employees working in small businesses in Massachusetts, making up about 44.7% of the state’s workforce.

2. Community Connection: When you support local businesses, you invest in your community. These businesses often contribute to local charities, sponsor community events, and create spaces where residents can gather and connect. They also play a significant role in shaping our community’s unique identity and culture.

3. Diverse Options: Shopping at small businesses allows you to discover unique products often unavailable at larger retailers. By supporting local artisans and makers, you help preserve the diversity of goods and services in our community, offering a unique and exciting shopping experience.

How You Can Support Small Businesses

1. Shop Local: Continue shopping at local retailers, especially on Small Business Saturday. Create a list of your favorite local stores and check them out during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for gifts, home essentials, or personal treats, there’s something special about purchasing from your neighbors.

2. Spread the Word: Word of mouth is powerful. Share your favorite small businesses on social media, write positive reviews, and tell your friends and family about the fantastic products and services you’ve experienced. Consider using hashtags related to Small Business Saturday to increase visibility. Remember to share your small business stories to inspire others to support local businesses.

3. Participate in Events: Many communities host events on Small Business Saturday to celebrate local businesses. These events could include local vendors setting up booths, live music performances, food trucks, and fun activities for the whole family. Attend these events, and encourage others to join you.

4. Engage Online: If you can’t shop in person, consider supporting small businesses online. Many local shops have e-commerce platforms where you can browse their offerings and purchase from the comfort of your home, ensuring that you’re still part of the local community, even from a distance.

5. Gift Cards: Purchase gift cards from your favorite local shops as presents for friends and family. This not only supports small businesses by providing them with immediate cash flow, but it also introduces others to the wonders of your community’s offerings, potentially turning them into regular customers.

6. Collaborate and Encourage: If you’re part of a community organization or a business network, consider collaborating with local businesses for events or promotions. Encourage others in your network to do the same.

By highlighting the importance of small businesses and taking actionable steps to support them, we contribute to a thriving local economy and foster community spirit. Please join me in celebrating and supporting our small businesses that are Made to Make a Difference for you, our communities, and their employees. Happy Small Business Saturday!

Mary McGovern, President and CEO of Country Bank

*Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business, 2024 – Office of Advocacy

Small Business Administration