This Saturday, November 29th, 2025, Mark Your Calendars to Only Shop Small!

by Tyler Teresa, Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration

Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and has been officially cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011. It is an important part of the busiest shopping season for small businesses.  Last Small Business Saturday in 2024, the reported projected spending in the United States from those who shopped small on Small Business Saturday was around $22 billion.  This is an excellent opportunity not only for entrepreneurs but for everyone to have a chance to support their local communities.

“Since 2010, the total reported U.S. spending at small businesses during the annual Small Business Saturday is an estimated $223 billion,” said Tyler Teresa, SBA Southeast Regional Administrator.”  “This is our chance to support our neighbors, family members and friends who are hardworking entrepreneurs. When we support local entrepreneurs, we support our local economy. This is what a true community is all about. Please shop small, dine small, and thank a small business owner for their community impact this Small Business Saturday.”

Americans understand that small businesses contribute to the relevancy of their communities, support local non-profits, employ more than half of our workforce and are a significant economic engine both locally and nationally. About 80% of small business owners say that the end of the year spending by customers is critical for their bottom line.  These are just some of the reasons why we encourage people who invest in their communities to actively participate in Small Business Saturday.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season is the perfect time to drop by unique retail shops and to dine at local eateries. If you prefer to shop online, you can purchase goods and services and meals from small businesses by utilizing their websites.

Be sure to make a positive impact on your own communities by shopping and dining SMALL on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season and know that you have made a positive contribution to your own community.

Join the highly successful team of SBA and American Express in kicking off the 2025 holiday season- it starts with small business.

Ways to Participate in Small Business Saturday 2025:

• Shoppers:  Find small businesses participating in Small Business Saturday in your area

• Small business owners:  Get free Small Business Saturday marketing materials - including sample posters, and social media resources

• Partner organizations:  Follow SBA on social media for all the latest updates on #ShopSmall

  
  

Support our nation’s more than 36 million independent businesses this Small Business Saturday and all holiday season long.