The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is encouraging all Americans to “shop small” at local businesses and “dine small” at local restaurants and bars as part of Small Business Saturday on November 26. 

Small business is big business here in Utah comprising 96 percent of all businesses here. And they employ 47 percent of all Utah employees. “I personally want to thank small business owners for what they do every day because their work grows our economy. Whether it’s a sole proprietorship or a larger business they are creating jobs and strengthening our communities,” Stan Nakano, director, SBA Utah district office said.

Now in its seventh year, shopping local on Small Business Saturday is a great way to show your favorite local businesses how much you appreciate them. It’s grown into a new holiday shopping tradition between Black Friday and Cyber Monday and one of the biggest shopping days of the year. 

Seasonal revenue is now critical to small retail businesses and accounts for a large percentage of their yearly sales. Last year nationally, 95 million people went out to support their local small businesses. To encourage volume many retailers will offer special discounts on Small Business Saturday as well.

If you run or work in a small business check out https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-initiatives/small-business-saturday for more information on how to market your business and participate in Small Business Saturday.

It gets busy through the holidays and it’s easy to rationalize ordering online and checking off your list. But buying local helps employ your family, friends and neighbors, and allows communities to help pay for local infrastructure needs such as maintaining roads and providing law enforcement. 

SBA resources are available to start or grow your own small business. The SBA in Utah guaranteed more than $579 million in loans during fiscal year 2016. Contact the SBA at (801) 524-3209 for more information.

Post your own photos, show your support or follow along on social media with @MCS4biz, @SBAGov, #SmallBizSat, #ShopSmall, #Dine Small.

 For more details visit www.sba.gov/SmallBusinessSaturday and for a full listing of the Small Business Saturday Coalition members, please visit www.shopsmall.com/SUPPORTERS.

Cosponsorship Authorization #16-2050-36.  SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity.  All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.


ABOUT THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.  The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses.  Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S.Virgin Islands and Guam. www.sba.gov


Contact:

Siobhan Carlile
(801) 524 3217
http://www.sba.gov/news