Shop Small Saturday: Boosting Alaska’s Economy, One Local Purchase at a Time
November 25, 2023
By Jon Bittner, Alaska SBDC State Director
One of the great things about promoting the idea of supporting local businesses is that it’s the world’s easiest sales pitch. Ask anyone where you should visit in their favorite town, and I’ll bet the majority of the places they mention are small businesses. Restaurants, event locations, shopping experiences, tourist attractions, retail stores, and more all combine to make up the unique fabric of the cities we love. It’s essential to recognize the importance of small businesses and ensure we’re giving them the support they need to survive and thrive.
That’s why the Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC) and the Anchorage Downtown Partnership (ADP) are teaming up to celebrate that spirit of entrepreneurship and community on this upcoming Shop Small Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting local businesses. Shop Small Saturday is a powerful reminder of the positive impact we can have on our economy by supporting all the businesses that make our communities special.
Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, creating jobs, driving innovation, and fostering a strong sense of community. By shopping small, we invest in the heart of our towns and contribute significantly to Alaska’s economic vitality. For every dollar that you spend at an Alaskan-owned business, $0.63 stays right here in Alaska. More money staying in the state means higher wages for Alaskans, creating more jobs and developing thriving local communities. Your support ensures that these enterprises can continue providing exceptional products and services, enriching our state for years.
This Shop Small Saturday, we encourage you to explore the diverse array of businesses in our communities, both in-person and online. Not sure where to start? Try the BuyAlaska Small Business Directory for a wealth of unique, locally-owned businesses in over 75 communities across the state. Whether it’s a boutique shop, local services, or a gifted experience, your purchase makes a significant difference. Share your local finds and experiences on social media using the hashtags #ShopSmall and #BuyAlaska, to let your friends and family know about the incredible products and services available right here at home.
If you’re in the Anchorage area, join the ADP today and start your holiday shopping downtown while you wait for darkness to fall. Then watch the Anchorage Holiday Tree light up the sky at the Holiday Tree Lighting event while you enjoy holiday concert performances, hot chocolate and Santa and his reindeer!
Shopping small is more than just a transaction; it is an investment in the very fabric of our communities. When we choose to shop at local businesses, we amplify the impact of our entrepreneurs, small business owners, and artists, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their unique talents and offerings. Every purchase you make at a small business is a vote for the vitality of your neighborhood and the prosperity of your local economy. Together, let’s make this Shop Small Saturday a celebration of community, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience for the whole state. Join us in supporting the Shop Small movement and let’s create a thriving future for Alaska, one small purchase at a time.