Nearly eight years ago, America was in the midst of an economic recession, and as shoppers started buying less and saving more, small businesses began to suffer. In an attempt to support local shops by encouraging people to “Shop Small,” American Expressed launched Small Business Saturday. Since then, Small Business Saturday has generated roughly $12 billion in spending with an estimated 108 million consumers shopping or dining at local independently-owned businesses.
As strong advocates of the local business community, your Chamber has joined the Small Business Saturday Coalition. Across the country, small businesses represent over 90% of all employers and contribute billions of dollars to the national economy. In addition to creating a unique one-of-a-kind experience, small businesses also supply jobs and enable individuals and businesses within the community to support each other. It is extremely important that we help support these local businesses, because when they are thriving, so is San Antonio.
This year, on November 24, we encourage all of you to Shop Small. Supporting this initiative will help ensure that San Antonio continues to have a diverse range of local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy, and enhance our neighborhoods.
During the month of November, we will continue to provide updates on how to prepare for November 24. If you are a small business owner and want to learn how you can get involved with Small Business Saturday, visit the Shop Small website.
