Small Business Saturday is November 28 this year. And, if your business has at least one but no more than 25 locations, than you’re already a participating member.
We gathered some background information on gaining support for your small business, tips to make your business stand out, and how to participate.
What is Small Business Saturday?
A national program started in 2010 by American Express which focuses on supporting and promoting local small business owners and their businesses – on not only Small Business Saturday, but throughout the year. In the years since, the ‘Shop Small’ notion has gained such a following that last year alone approximately 88 million consumers across the country-shopped small!
What can I do to get noticed & get my community excited to champion our area small businesses?
Plan promotional events to mark the day that are designed to enhance your brand, and are creative, yet realistically achievable in order to keep the momentum going. For example:
- Draw the community in by highlighting your establishment with chef demonstrations in a specially created outside space; reach out to local politicians/personalities to visit your venue for a meet & greet; organize fun trivia/activities related to your restaurant brand, background, and food items in order to draw-in new guests and continue your relationship with loyal customers. Complete the day’s program with unique, logo’d giveaways that represent your brand.
- Merchandise & market your event in the weeks leading up to Small Business Saturday. See below for more information on obtaining customizable materials to promote your day’s events, specials, menus, giveaways, etc.
- Spread the word by utilizing your relationships (or take this opportunity to form new ones) with other area small business owners to cross-promote your special events whether online, or through pop-up stations and in-store merchandising. Share pictures/videos with your social media supporters, using the #SmallBizSaturday hashtag for optimum exposure.
How do I get started?
Click here by November 16th to get started and apply for free, customizable marketing materials, online ads, and merchandise kits/event guides in order to garner consumer and community interest for your Shop Small experience.
How can I get more information?
To find out more about Shop Small participation and gaining visibility on the qualifying merchant online directory/small business locator map, visit AmericanExpress.com/merchant.
*photo: www.restaurant.org