Lexington, Ky. (Nov. 26, 2022) – The Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC), celebrates Small Business Saturday on November 26, as a day to support small businesses and all they do for their communities.
The Kentucky SBDC encourages holiday shoppers across the Commonwealth to take part in Small Business Saturday and “Shop Small” this season. Local economy and small business owners rely on their communities for their support during the holiday season!
Small Business Saturday was first launched in 2010 to help small businesses recover from the recession. It was an immediate success, leading to the U.S. Senate passing a resolution in 2011 to recognize the first Saturday after Thanksgiving as an annual holiday shopping tradition to support the small brick and mortar stores lining downtown Main Streets and in neighborhoods across America. It also helps customers who want access to unique products and experiences in their community, and local economies that benefit from successful small businesses.
Small Business Saturday falls within the busiest holiday shopping season of the year and is designed as a counterpoint to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which typically favor big box retail stores and large online merchants. Now in its 12th year, the initiative has spread across the country and even abroad, emphasizing the value that small businesses bring to their local communities.
Shopping Small Provides:
· Economic benefits – When shopping locally, $68 for every $100 stays in the community, while only $43 stays in the community when shopping non-locally.
· Community well-being – Small businesses create jobs for residents, donate money to non-profits, invest in local schools, and so much more.
· Personalized service – Many local business owners have a passion for their work and a commitment to their craft that goes far beyond their desire for financial gain. They view their customers as people, not just as sales opportunities. Small businesses are in a unique position to develop personal relationships with their customers, which translates to meeting needs and exceeding expectations.
· Keep dollars in the local economy – Thriving small businesses help create thriving communities. Many small businesses needed to close their doors because of the pandemic. Those businesses that survived need support now more than ever. The support they receive from the community now will help them to continue to rebound and thrive in the future.
· Environmental sustainability – Shopping locally also has significant environmental benefits. Items purchased online must be shipped countless miles in fuel-consuming vehicles before they arrive at your door. For consumers who want to reduce their carbon footprint and overall ecological impact, a short trip to a local shop is a green alternative. (content by SC SBDC)
The Kentucky Small Business Development Center has been assisting the commonwealth’s small-business community since 1981. Through its statewide growing network of centers and an experienced and knowledgeable staff, the Kentucky SBDC provides unparalleled business coaching and training services that help existing business owners and potential entrepreneurs succeed. Our services include one-on-one business coaching, training workshops, market research, loan packaging help, assistance with financial projections and information needed to make informed business decisions. Kentucky SBDC is co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and is administered by the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment in partnership with regional academic institutions, economic development organizations, the private sector and the commonwealth of Kentucky.
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Kentucky SBDC is funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U. S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of SBA
UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, through its land-grant mission, reaches across the commonwealth with teaching, research and extension to enhance the lives of Kentuckians.