Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the state’s principal provider of small business, has announced its participation in Small Business Saturday, which will be held this Saturday, November 26. 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 2021, reported spending among U.S. customers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $23.3 billion, according to the 2021 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express. Online shopping continued to increase in 2021, with 58 percent of shoppers reporting they shopped online with a small business on Small Business Saturday. Additionally, 70 percent of respondents reported Small Business Saturday makes them want to encourage others to shop at small, independently-owned retailers.
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, State Director of the Florida SBDC Network. “ This holiday season, the Florida SBDC is ready to shop small and support our local businesses. We want to encourage consumers to consider shopping small this Small Business Saturday and throughout the holidays.”
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 small businesses launch, grow and thrive. A statewide network of more than 40 offices, the network has helped more than 1.7 million small businesses since its inception over 45 years ago.
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 Small Business Saturday:
November 26, 2022, marks the 13th 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.
