Small Business Saturday is set to take place on November 30 this year, with small businesses in New Jersey and across the United States preparing to increase sales and engage with customers. This annual event, held on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, encourages holiday shoppers to "Gift Big and Shop Local" in support of the 34 million U.S. small businesses that contribute significantly to the national economy and provide employment for millions.
American Express initiated Small Business Saturday 15 years ago to highlight the vital role of small businesses in communities. Since its inception, holiday shoppers have spent over $200 billion at independently owned neighborhood stores during this event.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and American Express are providing small businesses with free marketing materials and a downloadable social media guide containing images, hashtags, and suggested posts available in both English and Spanish. These resources aim to encourage consumers to #ShopSmall and support local enterprises.
According to the SBA, small businesses account for more than 40% of America's economic output and two-thirds of net new jobs. SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman emphasized the significance of Small Business Saturday by stating: "Small Business Saturday has become America’s call to action to support the backbone of our economy and heart of our communities – our small businesses." She further encouraged participation by saying: “This year, as we continue to enjoy an unprecedented Small Business Boom, I encourage everyone to ‘Gift Big and Shop Local’ by supporting local businesses and the millions of hardworking Americans behind them.”
Guzman noted that nearly 20 million new small business applications have been filed nationwide over the past four years, primarily from women and people of color.
In addition to Small Business Saturday, this event marks the beginning of the SBA's Season of Small Business campaign, which extends through December. The campaign urges consumers to continue supporting small businesses throughout the holiday season.
