We have joined the Small Business Saturday Coalition! We plan to work together with American Express to support this year’s Small Business Saturday® celebration on Nov 30. Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting the independent businesses that make our communities unique and provide invaluable contributions to our economy.

Created by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday serves as the ceremonial kickoff to the holiday shopping season for small businesses across the United States. U.S. shoppers reported spending an estimated $17.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on the day, according to the 2018 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey. It was also found that on average two-thirds of every dollar ($0.67) spent at small businesses in the U.S. stays in the local community, according to the Small Business Economic Impact Study from American Express .

Small Business Saturday celebrates the diversity of small businesses across the U.S. and the West Central Association recognizes the importance of supporting small businesses, the jobs they help create and the culture they foster in local communities. The Small Business Economic Impact Study also found that in addition to small businesses directly employing members of the community, spending by those small businesses and their employees in the area also supports local jobs—for every ten jobs at a small business another seven are supported in the local community.

Merchants and consumers can learn more about Small Business Saturday and how to get involved by visiting ShopSmall.com.