Small Business Saturday - Supporting Women Business Owners

Last weekend, many people participated in the #ShopSmall movement, where shoppers moved away from the Targets and Walmarts, to support the smaller businesses and local boutiques. Certainly helpful for women-owned businesses who make up 40% of small business owners and which women are starting small businesses two times faster than men. The #ShopSmall is important for supporting women-owned businesses and small businesses in general.

What is Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday happens every year the Saturday following the Thanksgiving holiday where American consumers are encouraged to shop small and local to help the economy for small retail businesses.

How Did Small Business Saturday Begin?

Starting about a decade ago in 2010, American Express coined the term in response to big retail giants Black Friday deals which were disrupting the small business economy. To promote Small Business Saturday, American Express granted a number of small business owners $100 worth of free Facebook advertising, and American Express cardholders who pledged to support small businesses received a $25 credit. The cause gained momentum over the past decade and Small Business Saturday is a household name just as popular as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

How Has It Helped Women?

For some small businesses, this movement has helped women business owners tremendously. Take for example, one woman business owner in Massachusetts. Tracey ran a toy shop and joined the Small Business Saturday movement in 2012. She took advantage of the free posters and Facebook ads provided by American Express. Because of her efforts, sales increased by 126% on Small Business Saturday in 2012.

The Case For Shopping Small!

Did you know shopping at your local small businesses is helpful to your community?

Here are 4 reasons you should shop small year round:

• Community Identity: The first thing you notice when visiting a new area? The shops in town! Local businesses define your city, so take pride and take care of them!
• Local Causes: Your local businesses donate to local causes which benefit your community. Whether it be a homeless shelter, animal shelter, or an annual local event— small businesses are the backbone!

• Positive Taxes: When you shop local, those taxes go right back into your local economy! Shopping small and local helps to improve your community as a result.
• Eclectic Goods: Small businesses need to stand out from the crowd! That means they offer a better variety and unique goods as opposed to their big retail competitors. So next time you find yourself shopping for a greeting card— check out the small businesses in your community! Who wouldn’t want a unique card!

So whether you’re looking for a unique gift or just walking around your city, always support your local small businesses any time of the year!