Tips for Holiday Shoppers to Support Local Merchants on Small Business Saturday
Photo Credit: Iakobchuk | Envato
“Small Business Saturday is not just about shopping; it’s about supporting the businesses that are the backbone of Alaska’s communities,” says Jon Bittner, executive director of the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC). “These businesses create a fabric that defines our towns and helps them develop their distinct personalities, all while employing local people and supporting local causes.”
Every Dollar Spent
Held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday is a nationwide movement that spotlights the critical role small businesses play in building vibrant communities and driving local economies. SBDC notes that more than 99 percent of businesses in Alaska are classified as small. According to the US Small Business Administration definition, that’s any independent business with fewer than 500 employees.
Alaska’s small businesses encompass everything from family-owned restaurants and local art galleries to outdoor adventure companies and tech startups. Collectively, these businesses employ nearly 140,000 Alaskans, contributing not only to the state’s economic vitality but also to the distinct character and culture of its communities.
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December 2024
SBDC helps encourage Alaskans to support small businesses through its BuyAlaska initiative, particularly its online directory.
”Shopping locally is an investment in both the people we care about and the long-term success of our economy,” says Katie Nave, BuyAlaska program manager. “Small Business Saturday reminds us that the future of our communities lies in our hands. Every dollar spent with a small business circulates through our local economy, creating new opportunities and building a future that reflects Alaska’s unique values and creativity.”
SBDC estimates that every purchase—no matter the size—helps keep 63 cents of every dollar spent in the local economy, compared to just 22 cents when shopping with a national chain.
How to Participate in Small Business Saturday
As easy as surfing the internet for bargains can be, or filling a cart at a national department store, SBDC and BuyAlaska try to make finding the perfect purchase at a local small business just as painless.
They suggest these steps for a prosperous Small Business Saturday.
- Join the free BuyAlaska Directory: Businesses can sign up for the BuyAlaska directory to promote their products or services to local shoppers. The directory even has a statewide BuyAlaska Holiday Gift Guide.
- Shop Local: Just one step, but the most important. Visit local shops, artisans, and restaurants.
Spread the Word: Show support on social media by sharing reviews, likes, and comments about a favorite local business. - “Shop Small” Alaska Graphic: Download and share the Shop Small Heart graphic created by Alaska SBDC and BuyAlaska to show support for the state’s small businesses.
- Access American Express “Shop Small” Materials: Download additional Shop Small resources, such as free stickers, signs, and supplies, as well as social media graphics from American Express to help promote Small Business Saturday.
Bittner says, “By shopping locally on November 30 and throughout the holiday season, Alaskans can make a huge impact in their communities and help build a stronger, more resilient state economy.”
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