Posted on Friday, November 28, 2025
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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson
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0 Comments
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We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. – Winston Churchill
Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, November 29, 2025. Find out what this annual occurrence means and how you can contribute to keeping America’s small businesses strong!
The backbone of economies
Europe is known for its quaint holiday markets that carry and sell homemade goods. Visiting them provides a charming way to experience the magic of the holiday season, with twinkling lights and holiday music abound. People can stroll from wooden hut to wooden hut and enjoy tasty drinks and foods of the region. Fortunately, we don’t have to go all the way to Europe as small businesses exist throughout the USA. Like in Europe, small business owners in the U.S. are mainly hardworking and creative people who started their businesses with a dream. Nowadays, most face challenges due to limited financial resources and staff, technical regulations, competition from e-commercial retail, declining markets and more. In fact, Commerce Institute shares that according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20% of businesses fail in their first year, and 50% within the first five years. Despite the numerous challenges they face, small business owners strive to bring quality goods and services to you, the consumer. Due to their creativity, persistence, and dedication, and desire to serve, small businesses are the backbone of our country and are deeply deserving of our support.
Driving innovation
Philadelphia is a prime example of an American city that supports local business. The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market is an event that takes place seasonally in Dilworth Park, on the west side of City Hall. Not only is admission free, but vendors encourage people to beat the weekend crowds by visiting during the weekdays. Here, vendors set up from mid-November into the New Year and bring their unique crafts to Center City. Shoppers can browse the kiosk-style stalls, buy handmade gifts, treats, crafts and more. Not only is it a great place to meet and support local artisans, designers, crafters, jewelers, and more, but the festive spirit is alive. The quaint booths are booming with holiday inspired gifts and items that are truly Made in Philadelphia. At this festive event, people get the best of both worlds. Not only can they complete their Christmas shopping with one-of-a-kind gifts, but they can enjoy the authentic holiday spirit combined with the historic traditions of Philadelphia, a city founded in 1682.
Year-round opportunities
Even if you don’t live near a holiday market featuring local goods, there are still plenty of opportunities to support local businesses near you. Each year in the U.S., the Saturday after Thanksgiving is designated as “Small Business Saturday”. The day encourages consumers to support and shop at local small businesses. Created by credit card giant American Express in 2010, the day was designed to help small businesses gain visibility during the economic recession. It was established to recognize the important contributions that small businesses make, and give them a boost following Black Friday, the start of the Christmas season and the busiest shopping day of the year. The day encourages shoppers to support independent local retailers who may struggle to compete with online or e-commerce companies. Small Business Saturday invites people to patronize neighborhood businesses, stores, restaurants, and service providers. Shop owners may also encourage people to shop or order online, too. Frequently, during Small Business Saturday, great deals, promotions, or sales can be found. However, small businesses count on your support year-round to keep their businesses going.
Your support counts
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a business association advocacy group that promotes economic development and advocates for quality of life in communities, celebrates the important role of small business, particularly during the holiday season. Though the lobbying group is sometimes at odds with political groups, their overall goal of supporting local business is to be commended. They explain, “There are 33.2 million small businesses in the U.S. and they make up 99% of all businesses. For the past 20 years, small businesses have accounted for roughly 40% of the United States’ gross domestic output (GDP), which equates to trillions of dollars of economic activity.” By dedicating a day in honor of small businesses, it reminds holiday shoppers of the critical nature of their patronage and support. Frequenting small businesses not only helps shop owners, but it assists the entire community. “When you support a local business, you’re also supporting your town, city, and neighborhood by way of paying sales tax. The sales tax money is used to support public schools, parks, roads, and sidewalks, as well as fund public service workers, like firefighters.” Many small businesses are likely to give back to the community as well, sponsoring sports teams, supporting hospitals, schools, charities, and more. Many also employ residents, providing employment for local people you may know or love.
High quality goods & services
While hunting for gifts this holiday season, please remember the high quality of goods that local craftspeople from Small Businesses supply. In addition, you are invited to reflect upon the significance of your purchase and what it really means to support hardworking business owners in your local economy. Scrolling through lists of items for sale on the phone can feel dry and impersonal. Rather, it’s quite special to walk downtown in one’s hometown and step in and out of local shops owned and operated by friendly people. Not only will you feel welcome, but you’ll likely find one-of-a-kind quality gifts for those on your holiday list. Be sure to visit local food establishments as well. I recall the owner of a hometown pastry & pie shop once telling me, “Locals love to stop in for a hot cup of coffee and my famous pies that they can buy by the slice. My customers feel at home here and I’ve gotten to know most of them by name. I even know their favorite pies.” That sentiment stuck with me. How sweet it is to make people feel at home, to know them by name, and to remember what they like best. On this small business Saturday, as always, be sure to shop locally, make new friends, support the community, and spread the goodness and cheer of the holiday season.
Disclosure: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice.
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