Are you ready to join the movement and show some love to your favorite local shops and businesses? That’s right, I’m talking about Small Business Saturday Ideas!
Every year, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is dedicated to supporting the backbone of our communities – small businesses. These mom-and-pop shops, independent retailers, and local entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods, and they need our help to thrive.
So let me tell you all about this awesome shopping holiday and why you should get excited to shop small this year!
What Is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday is an annual shopping holiday that encourages people to support and shop at small, locally-owned businesses in their communities. The event was created by American Express in 2010 and is celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
The primary goal of Small Business Saturday is to drive consumer awareness towards the importance of supporting small businesses, which are often overshadowed by larger corporations and big-box retailers during the busy holiday shopping season.
When Is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday is observed annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In 2023, Small Business Saturday will be celebrated on November 25th.
Small Business Saturday Facts, Statistics, History, and Importance
- Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and was co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration the following year.
- According to the 2022 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community.
- In 2022, an estimated 63.4 million U.S. consumers shopped on Small Business Saturday, spending a record $23.3 billion.
- Since its inception, Small Business Saturday has helped drive an estimated $142 billion to local economies.
- Small businesses employ nearly half of the U.S. workforce and create two-thirds of new private-sector jobs.
Small Business Saturday Ideas for the Event
Hosting a special event or offering unique experiences can help attract customers and create a memorable shopping experience. Here are some ideas:
Organize a festive community event, such as a holiday market, artisan fair, or a “shop small” street festival. Collaborate with other local businesses to create a lively and engaging atmosphere with live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
- Plan a themed event (e.g., holiday market, craft fair, etc.)
- Partner with other local businesses to create a collective experience
- Secure necessary permits and organize event logistics
- Promote the event through various marketing channels
- Offer special discounts or promotions during the event
Pro Tip: Encourage customer interaction and engagement by incorporating interactive elements like photo booths, contests, or demonstrations.
Small Business Saturday Sale, Promotion, Ads, and Marketing Ideas
To stand out during the busy holiday shopping season, small businesses need to get creative with their promotions and marketing strategies. Here are some ideas:
Offer exclusive deals, discounts, or bundles available only on Small Business Saturday. Promote these offers through targeted advertising campaigns, email marketing, social media, and in-store signage. Consider partnering with other local businesses for cross-promotional opportunities or creating a “shop small” loyalty program.
- Create a “Small Business Saturday” discount or bundle offer
- Design eye-catching in-store signage and window displays
- Launch a targeted email marketing campaign
- Leverage social media platforms for promotion
- Partner with complementary businesses for cross-promotion
Pro Tip: Encourage customers to share their Small Business Saturday experiences on social media by offering incentives like discounts or entry into a giveaway for those who post and tag your business.
Small Business Saturday Social Media Posts Ideas
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your Small Business Saturday offerings and engaging with your local community. Here are some post ideas:
Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business, highlighting the people, processes, and stories that make your products or services unique. Showcase your commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, or local sourcing. Encourage customers to share their favorite small business experiences using a branded hashtag.
- Share a video tour of your business or workspace
- Highlight your team members and their roles
- Showcase your product creation process or local sourcing
- Share customer testimonials or success stories
- Announce a Small Business Saturday contest or giveaway
Pro Tip: Use eye-catching visuals, such as product photos, staff candids, or community snapshots, to make your social media posts more engaging and shareable.
Small Business Saturday Giveaway Ideas
Hosting a giveaway or contest can generate excitement and encourage customer engagement. Here are some ideas:
- Gift basket filled with your best-selling products or local artisan goods
- Free service or experience (e.g., cooking class, spa package, etc.)
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour or private shopping experience
- Customized or personalized product
- Collaborative giveaway with other local businesses
05 Small Business Saturday Activities and Things to Do
Paragraph: Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to celebrate and support your local community. Consider hosting a community-focused event, workshop, or activity that brings people together and showcases your business’s unique offerings.
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1. Host a DIY workshop or demonstration
Workshops not only showcase your products or services but also create a memorable experience for customers, fostering brand loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing.
- Provide hands-on instruction for creating a product or learning a skill
- Offer materials and supplies for participants to take home their creations
- Encourage social sharing and tagging of the workshop experience
2. Organize a charity or community service event
Giving back to the community strengthens your business’s local ties and demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility.
- Partner with a local non-profit organization or cause
- Offer a portion of sales to support the chosen charity
- Encourage customer participation through volunteering or donations
3. Offer complimentary treats or refreshments
Simple gestures like offering refreshments create a positive customer experience and encourage customers to linger and explore your business.
- Serve seasonal treats, hot beverages, or light snacks
- Partner with local food vendors or bakeries for a collaborative offering
- Create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for customers
4. Host a meet-the-maker or expert Q&A session
Expert sessions provide valuable educational experiences for customers while showcasing your business’s connections to the local community.
- Invite local artisans, makers, or industry experts to share their knowledge
- Offer customers the opportunity to ask questions and learn about their craft
- Encourage social media sharing and tagging of the event
5. Organize a holiday-themed activity or event
Embracing the holiday spirit creates a festive atmosphere and encourages customers to shop and celebrate with your business.
- Decorate your storefront or business with festive displays
- Offer holiday-themed products, services, or experiences
- Encourage customers to share their holiday shopping experiences
50 Small Business Saturday Captions
1. Shop small, celebrate big!
2. Supporting local businesses, one purchase at a time.
3. Small businesses, big impact.
4. Keeping our community vibrant, one small business at a time.
5. Discover the unique charm of our local gems.
6. Where passion meets excellence: celebrating our small businesses.
7. Small businesses, the heart of our community.
8. Investing in our local economy, one small business at a time.
9. Celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit, one shop at a time.
10. Small businesses, big dreams.
11. Shopping local, supporting local.
12. Discover the hidden gems in your backyard.
13. Small businesses, making a big difference.
14. Empowering our local entrepreneurs, one purchase at a time.
15. Celebrating the diversity of our small business community.
16. Where quality meets authenticity: shopping small.
17. Keeping our Main Street thriving.
18. Small businesses, the backbone of our community.
19. Investing in our neighborhood, one small business at a time.
20. Embracing the unique flair of our local artisans.
21. Supporting the dreamers and doers of our community.
22. Small businesses, big personalities.
23. Discover the local treasures on your doorstep.
24. Keeping it real, keeping it local.
25. Small businesses, crafting experiences.
26. Where passion meets craftsmanship: celebrating our local makers.
27. Shopping small, impacting big.
28. Embracing the essence of our community’s spirit.
29. Small businesses, the heartbeat of our neighborhoods.
30. Celebrating the resilience of our local entrepreneurs.
31. Investing in our community’s future, one small business at a time.
32. Where every purchase makes a difference.
33. Small businesses, big heart.
34. Discover the authentic flavors of our local eateries.
35. Supporting the dreamers and believers of our community.
36. Small businesses, crafting unique experiences.
37. Keeping our Main Street vibrant and alive.
38. Celebrating the creativity of our local artisans.
39. Small businesses, making a big impact on our community.
40. Investing in the passion and dedication of our local entrepreneurs.
41. Where every purchase tells a story.
42. Small businesses, the fabric of our community.
43. Discover the hidden gems crafted with love.
45. Shopping small, thinking big.
46. Small businesses, big on quality.
47. Keeping our community’s character alive.
48. Where every purchase supports a dream.
49. Celebrating the diversity of our local talent.
50. Small businesses, leaving a lasting impression.
40 Small Business Saturday Hashtags to Use for Longer Reach
1. #SmallBusinessSaturday
2. #ShopSmall
3. #SupportLocal
4. #SupportSmallBusiness
5. #LocalBusiness
6. #SmallBizSat
7. #ShopLocalSaturday
8. #LoveSmallBusiness
9. #SmallBizLove
10. #SmallBizLife
11. #SmallBusinessOwner
12. #SmallBusinessLove
13. #SmallBusinessSupport
14. #SmallBusinessCommunity
15. #SmallBusinessRocks
16. #SmallBusinessShopping
17. #SmallBusinessProud
18. #SmallBusinessStrong
19. #SmallBusinessVibes
20. #SmallBusinessGrowth
21. #SmallBusinessSuccess
22. #SmallBusinessSpirit
23. #SmallBusinessSeason
24. #SmallBusinessShopping
25. #SmallBusinessHustle
26. #SmallBusinessLiving
27. #SmallBusinessGoals
28. #SmallBusinessDreams
29. #SmallBusinessSaturdays
30. #SmallBusinessOwners
31. #SmallBusinessCulture
32. #SmallBusinessSupporters
33. #SmallBusinessLover
34. #SmallBusinessEmpire
35. #SmallBusinessEntrepreneur
36. #SmallBusinessShopping
37. #SmallBusinessGrind
38. #SmallBusinessMotivation
39. #SmallBusinessInspiration
40. #SmallBusinessMovement
20 Small Business Saturday Quotes
1. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities.” – Karen Mills
2. “Small businesses are the heart and soul of our economy.” – John Kasich
3. “Small businesses are the engine of innovation and job creation.” – Barack Obama
4. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and the cornerstone of our communities.” – Maria Cantwell
5. “Supporting small businesses is an act of patriotism.” – Justin Amash
6. “Small businesses are the true drivers of economic growth and job creation.” – Sam Graves
7. “Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities, and we need to do everything we can to support them.” – Cory Booker
8. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and it’s important to support them whenever possible.” – Mitt Romney
9. “Small businesses are the engine of innovation and job creation in America.” – Marco Rubio
10. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and we must do everything we can to support them.” – Kristi Noem
11. “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, and we must do more to support them.” – Kamala Harris
12. “Small businesses are the true drivers of economic growth and job creation in America.” – Joni Ernst
13. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we must do everything we can to help them succeed.” – Jeanne Shaheen
14. “Small businesses are the engine of innovation and job creation in our country.” – Steve Scalise
15. “Small businesses are the foundation of our economy and the cornerstone of our communities.” – Gary Peters
16. “Small businesses are the heart and soul of our nation’s economy.” – Debbie Stabenow
17. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and the engine of economic growth.” – Chuck Schumer
18. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we must do everything we can to support and empower them.” – Raphael Warnock
19. “Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities, and we must do everything we can to support them.” – Jacky Rosen
20. “Small businesses are the true drivers of economic growth and job creation in America, and we must do more to support them.” – Roger Marshall
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20 Small Business Saturday Jokes
1. Why did the small business owner go to the bakery? To get some dough!
2. Why did the small business owner go to the bank? To make a loan repayment!
3. Why did the small business owner go to the park? To take a break from the daily grind!
4. Why did the small business owner go to the gym? To work on their small business muscles!
5. Why did the small business owner go to the hardware store? To get some tools to fix their small business!
6. Why did the small business owner go to the library? To research some small business strategies!
7. Why did the small business owner go to the grocery store? To stock up on snacks for the long workdays!
8. Why did the small business owner go to the post office? To ship some small business products!
9. Why did the small business owner go to the auto mechanic? To get their small business vehicle serviced!
10. Why did the small business owner go to the coffee shop? To fuel up on caffeine for the busy day ahead!
11. Why did the small business owner go to the office supply store? To get some new pens and paper for taking notes!
12. Why did the small business owner go to the craft store? To get supplies for making small business marketing materials!
13. Why did the small business owner go to the florist? To get a bouquet for a customer appreciation event!
14. Why did the small business owner go to the pet store? To get a furry friend to keep them company during long workdays!
15. Why did the small business owner go to the bookstore? To find some inspiring small business success stories!
16. Why did the small business owner go to the electronics store? To get a new computer for their small business operations!
17. Why did the small business owner go to the art gallery? To find some unique decor for their small business space!
18. Why did the small business owner go to the furniture store? To get a new desk for their small business office!
19. Why did the small business owner go to the travel agency? To plan a well-deserved small business vacation!
20. Why did the small business owner go to the outdoor store? To get some gear for small business team-building activities!
10 Small Business Saturday Memes
1. A meme with a picture of a small, cozy shop with the text “When you support small businesses, you’re supporting someone’s dream.”
2. A meme with a cartoon character shopping at a local store with the text “Shopping small makes a big difference in your community.”
3. A meme with a picture of a person hugging a small business owner with the text “Small businesses have a big heart.”
4. A meme with a picture of a small business owner working behind the counter with the text “Small businesses: Where every purchase is appreciated.”
5. A meme with a picture of a stack of cash with the text “Small Business Saturday: Where your money stays in the community.”
6. A meme with a picture of a small business storefront with the text “Supporting small businesses is like supporting a friend’s dream.”
7. A meme with a cartoon character carrying shopping bags from local stores with the text “Small Business Saturday: Where you can find unique treasures.”
8. A meme with a picture of a person high-fiving a small business owner with the text “Small businesses: Where customer service is a priority.”
9. A meme with a picture of a small business owner smiling with the text “Small Business Saturday: Where passion meets excellence.”
10. A meme with a picture of a community street lined with small businesses with the text “Small businesses: The heartbeat of our neighborhoods.”
Conclusion:
There you have it, folks! Small Business Saturday is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in your community and support the local businesses that make our neighborhoods so special.
From festive events and exclusive deals to heartwarming stories and memorable experiences, shopping small has so much to offer. Plus, it’s a feel-good way to keep your hard-earned dollars circulating right here at home.
So mark your calendars for November 25th, and get ready to show some major love to your favorite local gems. Your participation means the world to these small business owners chasing their dreams.
Let’s make this year’s Small Business Saturday one for the books! Who’s with me?