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OPINION

Blaney: When you shop on Small Business Saturday, the impact is year-round

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As we usher in the holiday season, I invite you to be part of the growing movement to #ShopSmall while preparing for gatherings with family and friends.

This year, Nov. 30 marks the 10th annual celebration of Small Business Saturday. Celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday is a time for holiday shoppers to patron their locally owned retailers and restaurants.

Last year, thousands of communities rallied their friends and neighbors to celebrate the day, and in 2018 an estimated 104 million U.S. consumers reported shopping or dining at local independently owned businesses.

Total reported spending reached an estimated record high of $17.8 billion. 97% of these consumers said that Small Business Saturday had a positive impact on their community.

Here in Arizona, 99% of our businesses are small and employ one million people, nearly 44% of Arizona workers. Nationally, two out of three net new jobs are created by small businesses. When we shop small, we are making an investment in the well-being of our economy.

You can do your part to #ShopSmall by following these four simple steps:

  • If you are a business owner, make sure you’re prepared for the holiday shopping season by checking out helpful advice by visiting SBA’s Small Business Saturday site at sba.gov/saturday.
  • If you’re a customer, commit to making at least one purchase from a locally owned small business retailer. Get to know the owner and make your gift more meaningful by sharing their story as part of what you give your loved ones.
  • Enjoy the experience. Discover new and unique local stores while spending the day with your loved ones.
  • Take part in Small Business Saturday on social media, using the hashtag #ShopSmall to amplify your support.

Please join me in supporting our local small retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday. When we choose to #ShopSmall, the impact is felt all year.

Robert J. Blaney
Arizona district director
U.S. Small Business Administration