SBA Encourages Consumers to Support Local Small Business Saturdays with “Gift Big, Shop Local” Campaign

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The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the start of its Small Business Season holiday campaign, beginning on the 15th annual Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2024. The event, created by American Express, encourages consumers to support local small businesses during the season for the holidays. This year’s slogan, “Gift Big, Shop Local,” emphasizes the importance of buying small and supporting entrepreneurs across the country.

“Small Business Saturday has become America’s invitation to take action to support the backbone of our economy and the heart of our communities – our small businesses,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “America’s amazing entrepreneurs are creating jobs, driving innovation, and strengthening our communities, creating a unique atmosphere for neighborhoods across America.” This year, as we continue to enjoy an unprecedented Small Business Boom, I encourage everyone to Gift Big and Shop Local by supporting local businesses and the millions of hardworking Americans who support them.”

Celebrating 15 Years of Small Business on Saturday

Small Business Saturday, which takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, has grown into a nationwide movement. Since its inception in 2010, the event has generated an estimated $201 billion in retail and restaurant spending, according to American Express. The SBA began supporting the event in 2011 to promote consumer spending on independently owned businesses after the financial crisis.

SBA’s Small Business Season extends beyond Small Business Saturday, encouraging consumers to support local businesses throughout the holiday season. During the Biden-Harris administration, the US experienced nearly 20 million new business applications, many of which were driven by women and people of color, highlighting the continued strength and diversity of America’s entrepreneurial spirit.