Celebrate Small Business Saturday

Nov. 25, is Small Business Saturday®, which is a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. Please join the U.S. Small Business Administration and organizations across the country in supporting your local small businesses by shopping small this Saturday. As we begin the holiday shopping season, let’s recommit to honoring our neighborhood champions, the South Carolina small retailers and neighborhood eateries. On Nov. 25, the Small Business Administration encourages you to join millions of South Carolinians and other Americans to “shop and dine small” on Small Business Saturday®, which has become an American tradition. Small businesses represent the dynamic demographics of South Carolina, encompassing everyone from your delicious, unique mom and pop coffee shops, restaurants and bakeries to your neighborhood specialty boutique or traditional manufacturer. You can do your part with these six simple step: If you’re a business owner, make sure you’re prepared for the holiday season by checking out helpful advice at www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-initiatives/small-business-Saturday. If you’re a customer, commit to making at least one purchase from a locally-owned small business retailer. Get to know the owner, and make your gift more meaningful by sharing their story as part of what you give your loved ones. Also, after a day of shopping, you can continue to support small businesses by dining small at your favorite small business restaurant, coffee shop or watering hole. Enjoy the experience. Travel outside your comfort zone and away from your computer screen to discover an out-of-the ordinary shopping district with some trendy local stores. Join the conversation on social media, using the hashtag #SmallBizSat, #ShipSmall, and #DineSmall to amplify your support. If you find a great small business retailer with unique products, Tweet or Facebook your find so others can enjoy it too. When you open your gifts, start a conversation about which one came from the most distinctive and creative sellers. This can make for great debate over egg nog or your holiday drink of choice.