The Thanksgiving dinner is done. Hopefully, the guests have left. Now it is time for shopping. Saturday marks the fifteenth year for the Small Business Saturday event. A day just for the small business. American Express first developed the event in 2010, officially cosponsored by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011, to promote holiday shopping for small businesses. Traditionally it is the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year the shopping event falls on November 30, 2024, during one of the traditionally busiest shopping weekends. It’s almost the middle of the shopping blitz of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Two events that are typically centered around major retailers with sales and deals.
Since 2010, an estimated $201 billion has been spent during the Small Business Saturday shopping event, according to the SBA.gov website. It’s been estimated that in 2023 the projected spending for Small Business Saturday was $17 billion.
On the Macomb County, Michigan website, there is currently a contest for shoppers. It runs from November 22, 2024, to December 3, 2024. Shoppers who shop locally can enter to win one of ten $150 gift cards. The gift cards are donated by First State Bank. People are to shop locally, then take a picture of their shopping experience. Rules and how to submit can be found on Macomb’s website.
Additionally, businesses that are highlighted in the shopping experience will be entered for a chance to win a grant of $1000. Contest winners, along with the winning businesses, will be revealed on Monday, December 9, 2024.
When it comes to Small Business Saturday, there are many benefits to the event. By supporting small businesses, it boosts the local economy by putting money back. Additionally, Macomb County shoppers can enter to win a gift card that they can use at their preferred establishment.
