How Small Business Saturday Packs a Big Punch
Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities, was founded by American Express in 2010 to encourage people to shop with local independent merchants for the holidays. Since its inception, the day has grown to $16.2 billion in 2015, and is just as important and lucrative a shopping holiday as Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
In 2011, the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution of support for Small Business Saturday, and according to President Obama, “Small businesses represent what is best about our nation. These enterprises empower individuals to build better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. They remind us that in this country, we never have to stray too far from home to secure the American dream.”
As for consumers, by patronizing a small business on Small Business Saturday, you will be helping to stimulate the local economy and create and sustain jobs in your community, as money spent in your community goes back into it in the form of creating employment opportunities and retaining existing employees. In fact, according to a study by Civic Economics, 48 percent of purchases at local independent businesses go right back into the community, compared to less than 14 percent of sales made at chain stores. Furthermore, tax dollars stay local, and go toward public services, better schools, libraries, etc. Finally, by shopping on Small Business Saturday you are also promoting diversity in your community, as it enables local small businesses to not only stay afloat but thrive, and box out the Big Box stores.
Blog by Dale Myers. the NALA's Head Writer.