Small Business Saturday

First observed on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2010, an annual event known as Small Business Saturday was created. It was designed to bring focus of importance to supporting local shops and business owners. It is meant to encourage Americans across the country to put their money back into their own local community. By doing this, these communities can prosper and grow as the backbone of our nation’s economy. This year, Small Business Saturday will be celebrated on November 30th, 2024.

It was launched by American Express to support local brick and mortar businesses mall businesses, many of whom were hurting due to the economic recession, to help drive more holiday shopping to these businesses. One year after the initial event, local officials across the nation began to promote the day. In 2011, a resolution was unanimously passed by Senate in support of Small Business Saturday. By 2012, officials in all 50 states began to participate and the annual tradition was born.

Why is it important to Support Small Business?

There are 33.2 million small businesses in the U.S., making up nearly 99% of all businesses. For the past 20 years, small businesses have been responsible for nearly 40% of the United States’ GDP. These business owners are individuals that may be your neighbors, friends or relatives that you are directly helping by shopping from them.

The shopping holiday is dedicated to supporting small businesses by helping to create jobs and boost local economies. It offers opportunities for small business owners to refocus their marketing and promotions efforts to attract customers during the holiday season. It is not just a day of shopping, it’s a day to celebrate and support local businesses, give businesses an opportunity to bond with their community, coming together and supporting the heart and soul of our neighborhoods.

Small Business Saturday Celebrates 15 Years of Local Love

                This November is the 15th year of celebrating small businesses and shopping small. From today to the 30th of November, this series is going to cover stories of small businesses in Fountain Inn. Each business has its own story of how it came to be, why they chose Fountain Inn for their brick-and-mortar location and what they love about being here. You don’t have to wait until the 30th to dine or shop locally, here is a list of many options to give you some ideas.