Florida SBDC Network Headquarters (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of small business assistance, encourages consumers and businesses to participate in Small Business Saturday, which will take place Saturday, November 28, 2020.
Created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday serves as the ceremonial kickoff to the holiday shopping season for small businesses across the United States. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and strengthening communities across the country.
“This has been an incredibly challenging year for our state’s small businesses,” said Dr. Cheryl Kirby, interim CEO of the Florida SBDC Network. “We encourage businesses to take advantage of this special day and consumers to shop small November 28 and throughout the holiday season.”
Supporting small businesses this year has become more important than ever. According to a survey recently conducted by the Florida SBDC Network, in partnership with the Florida Chamber Foundation and University of West Florida Haas Center, many small businesses are struggling financially, and 85.1 percent reported lost revenue.
The Florida SBDC Network recognizes the importance of supporting small businesses, the jobs they help create, and the culture they instill in local communities. To help small businesses navigate the pandemic, the Florida SBDC Network is offering virtual consulting and on-demand webinars at no cost. The network has expanded its consulting service offering to help small businesses in their long-term recovery.
To show continued support and keep small businesses open, the Florida SBDC Network urges communities to shop local, shop small, in-store or online in consideration with current COVID-19 safety guidance.
Businesses may consider participating in Small Business Saturday through some of the following ways:
- Visit ShopSmall.com to download customizable marketing materials, including storefront signage, website banners, and social posts
- Host a safe, social distancing or virtual open house or in-store event
- Partner with other small businesses in your community
- Consider offering a special discount or promotion
- Encourage customers to participate through social media and email marketing
- Use and share the #ShopSmall and #SmallBizSat with any related social media post
Small businesses and consumers may learn more about Small Business Saturday and how to get involved by visiting ShopSmall.com.
About Small Business Saturday
November 28, 2020, marks the 11th Annual Small Business Saturday, a celebration of small businesses and the positive impact they have on communities across the country. American Express proudly works with organizations and independent businesses to provide solutions that support communities and uplift local economies.
