Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1541378
Your guide to Small Business Saturday. Why It Matters The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports an estimated 33.2 million small businesses alone, making up 99% of the nation's businesses and about 40% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). What's more, small and mid-sized businesses comprise over half of Canada's GDP, according to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Sustaining independently owned businesses is essential, as they account for a significant portion of economic vitality. When you shop small, you make a huge impact, and your dollars go further. Local entrepreneurs are more likely to reinvest in their communities by creating jobs, offering handcrafted pieces, and partnering with other vendors to provide goods and services you won't find in big-box stores. Ways to Play Your Part Participating in Small Business Saturday is simple, yet substantial. Whether browsing neighborhood bookstores, visiting the family-run bakery, or picking up a piece from the corner gift shop, here's how you can make every dollar count: • Buy and dine locally: Purchase goods and services exclusively at small businesses. • Use the Shop Small map: Find participants in your area with American Express's interactive map. • Spread the digital word: Share the highlights of your day on social media using #ShopSmall to generate buzz. • Get gift cards: Give gift cards from community vendors to friends and coworkers to widen the ripple effect. While Black Friday beckons us to shop 'til we drop, Small Business Saturday invites us to slow down, buy with intention, and celebrate the economy's heartbeat. Read on for a brief history of Small Business Saturday, why it matters, and how you can get involved. How Shopping Small Got Its Start Small Business Saturday takes place each year on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. In the U.S., that's the third Saturday in November. It was initially launched in 2010 by American Express to help locally owned businesses benefit from the holiday shopping rush. However, it became so popular that just one year later, the U.S. Senate passed a unanimous resolution supporting Small Business Saturday. By 2012, all 50 states adopted the event, making it an official awareness day and annual holiday shopping tradition. Shop Small, Give Back PINCH OF GOODNESS 14 COMING HOME MAGAZINE