By Shivani Dubey | U.S. Small Business Administration
As we gather with family and loved ones this holiday season, we have many reasons to be grateful. In this season of giving, we can imbue our traditions with a deeper sense of purpose by including local small businesses in our holiday preparations. When we spend local, we invest in our communities.
Founded in 2010, Small Business Saturday is an annual tradition to support small businesses as they kick off their busiest shopping season. Last year, supporters spent an estimated $22 billion at small businesses on this day. I invite Arizonans to be a part of the movement by participating Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29. Here are five suggestions for making an impact:
1. Enjoy shopping with your family and friends by visiting locally owned shops and restaurants. Many will be offering special deals and events on Saturday to celebrate the power of small business. And don’t forget that your same favorite small businesses are also online. They offer delivery and in-store pick-up for those shoppers who prefer to stay close to home this weekend. Find participating businesses near you at sba.gov/saturday.
2. Check with your local chamber of commerce to find a celebration near you. Many chambers and other Neighborhood Champions are hosting live music and entertainment this Saturday as part of the holiday festivities.
3. Join the larger conversation by including #ShopSmall when you share the day’s moments on social media. Be sure to leave a positive online review for the wonderful small businesses that you visit.
4. Recognize an outstanding small business owner with a nomination for SBA Small Business Person of the Year. Each year, SBA celebrates small business leaders and champions who are making a difference in our community. Nominations are due by Dec. 22. Visit sba.gov/nsbw for more information or to submit a nominee.
5. Continue to support local small businesses throughout the holiday season and all-year long. Small business owners can connect with SBA’s resources for support in sustaining growth throughout the year by visiting sba.gov/az for more information and to contact the SBA Arizona District Office.
Editor’s note: Shivani Dubey is the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Arizona acting district director. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/U.S. Small Business Administration
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