[Pensacola, Fla.] - The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network today announced its participation in Small Business Saturday, which will be held this Saturday, November 27. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and strengthening communities across the country.
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.
In 2020, U.S. shoppers reported spending an estimated $19.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday, according to data recently released by American Express. Not surprisingly, online shopping increased in 2020, with 56 percent of shoppers reporting they shopped online with a small business on Small Business Saturday. Additionally, more than 50 percent of shoppers reported supporting small businesses through social media by endorsing local shops or shopping small due to a recommendation on social media.
The Florida SBDC Network encourages small businesses to participate in Small Business Saturday and urges consumers to support small businesses during this day and throughout the holiday season.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Greg Britton, CEO of the Florida SBDC Network. “Sadly, small businesses were hit hard during the pandemic. This holiday season, it’s important to support local businesses in your community. We encourage consumers to consider shopping small this Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season.”
With the holidays swiftly approaching, the Florida SBDC encourages consumers to shop small. Some reasons to shop small include:
- Main Street businesses need support
- More money stays in your community when you shop small
- It can offer a better shopping experience
- You can find more unique gifts
Businesses may consider participating through some of the following ways:
- Visit ShopSmall.com to download customizable marketing materials, including storefront signage, website banners, and social posts
- 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
- State designated as Florida’s principal provider of business assistance, the Florida SBDC Network provides consulting, training, and resources to help entrepreneurs and small businesses grow and succeed. A statewide network of more than 40 offices, the network has helped more than 1.7 million small businesses since its inception 45 years ago this year.
Small businesses and consumers may learn more about Small Business Saturday and how to get involved by visiting ShopSmall.com
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About the Florida SBDC Network:
For 45 years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy. In 2020, the Florida SBDC Network delivered more than 162,500 hours of consulting to more than 24,000 small businesses, resulting in 38,797 jobs impacted, $7.4 billion in sales generated, $553.5 million in capital accessed, and $488.1 million in government contracts acquired. According to an economic impact study conducted for the Florida SBDC, it was estimated that for every $1 invested in the Florida SBDC $60 is returned to the state in tax revenue and our services resulted in a $3.9 billion impact on Florida's economy. With over 40 offices statewide, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Defense Logistics Agency, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.
About Small Business Saturday
November 27, 2021, marks the 12th Annual Small Business Saturday, a celebration of small businesses and the positive impact they have on communities across the country. American Express, having created Small Business Saturday in 2010, proudly works with organizations and independent businesses to provide solutions that support communities and uplift local economies. Learn more and connect with us on ShopSmall.com, Instagram.com/ShopSmall, and Facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday
