Two ways to support small businesses this holiday season

Small Business Saturday is a national shopping holiday that takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and some media outlets report that Small Business Saturday may even become more popular than Black Friday soon. Small businesses face many challenges, including competition from larger corporations, rising costs, and limited access to capital. Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for consumers to show their support for their local small businesses. By shopping at small businesses, consumers can help these businesses thrive, which in turn supports the local economy.

Being a small business owner myself, I wanted to share some ways you can support small businesses in your community. 

Shop Locally

Small businesses often have unique products that cannot be found at larger retailers. By shopping at small businesses, consumers can find one-of-a-kind gifts for their loved ones while supporting their local economy.

For those of us living in Whatcom County, a great resource to check out while planning your holiday shopping is Sustainable Connections. They are working to create a “regenerative” local economy in Whatcom County and have a great directory you can search to find local small businesses.

Use social media to spread the word about a small business

Consumers can use social media to share their experiences at small businesses and encourage their friends and family to shop locally. They can also leave positive reviews on websites like Yelp and Google, which can help small businesses attract new customers. Perhaps challenge yourself to tell your followers about one small business you enjoy each day for a week. Or make a point to visit the Google business page of your favorite local businesses and leave them a 5-star review. Either of these small acts can help to boost people’s awareness of the great local businesses in your community.

Small Business Saturday is an important holiday that supports small businesses and the local economy. By working together, we can help small businesses thrive and create a brighter future for our communities.

Happy Sprucing,