Alaska SBDC and BuyAlaska Encourage Alaskans to Support Local Entrepreneurs on Small Business Saturday
Anchorage, AK—The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and BuyAlaska program are proud to join the national celebration of Small Business Saturday on November 30, 2024, urging Alaskans to shop local and support the entrepreneurs that fuel Alaska’s economy during the busiest shopping season of the year.
Small Business Saturday, held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is a nationwide movement that spotlights the critical role small businesses play in building vibrant communities and driving local economies. In Alaska, where more than 99% of businesses are classified as small, this day provides a unique opportunity for residents to make a meaningful impact by shopping with their neighbors and helping sustain the state’s economy.
“Small Business Saturday is not just about shopping—it’s about supporting the businesses that are the backbone of Alaska’s communities,” said Jon Bittner, Alaska SBDC State Director. “These businesses create a fabric that defines our towns and helps them develop their distinct personalities, all while employing local people and supporting local causes. By shopping locally on November 30 and throughout the holiday season, Alaskans can make a huge impact in their communities and help build a stronger, more resilient state economy.”
Alaska’s small businesses are remarkably diverse, encompassing everything from family-owned restaurants and local art galleries to outdoor adventure companies and tech startups. Collectively, these businesses employ nearly 140,000 Alaskans, contributing not only to the state’s economic vitality but also to the distinct character and culture of its communities.
To amplify the impact of Small Business Saturday, the Alaska SBDC and BuyAlaska are encouraging all residents to support local businesses by visiting retail shops, dining at locally-owned restaurants, and using services provided by Alaska’s entrepreneurs. Every purchase—no matter the size—helps keep 63 cents of every dollar spent in the local economy, compared to just 22 cents when shopping with a national chain.
”Shopping locally is an investment in both the people we care about and the long-term success of our economy,” said Katie Nave, BuyAlaska Program Director. “Small Business Saturday reminds us that the future of our communities lies in our hands. Every dollar spent with a small business circulates through our local economy, creating new opportunities and building a future that reflects Alaska’s unique values and creativity.
How You Can Participate in Small Business Saturday:
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Join the free BuyAlaska Directory: Sign up for the BuyAlaska directory to promote your business as a go-to destination, product, or service for local shoppers. To make shopping easy, be sure to check out the statewide BuyAlaska Holiday Gift Guide!
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Shop Local: Visit your favorite local shops, artisans, and restaurants. Every purchase supports local jobs and helps keep Alaska’s communities strong.
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Spread the Word: Show your support on social media by sharing reviews, likes, and comments about your favorite local businesses.
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Shop Small Alaska Graphic: Download and share the Shop Small Heart graphic created by Alaska SBDC and BuyAlaska to show your support for small businesses across the state.
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Access American Express Shop Small Materials: Download additional Shop Small resources, such as free stickers, signs, and supplies, as well as social media graphics from American Express to help promote Small Business Saturday in your community.
This Small Business Saturday, commit to shopping local—not just for a day but throughout the season and beyond. Every dollar spent locally is an investment in Alaska’s future, helping to build a vibrant, resilient economy that benefits us all.
About Alaska SBDC and BuyAlaska
The Alaska Small Business Development Center, a UAA Business Enterprise Institute partner program, provides free-cost, confidential business advising, workshops, and resources to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Alaska. From business planning and marketing to financing and operations, the Alaska SBDC helps local entrepreneurs overcome challenges and seize opportunities to grow and strengthen their businesses. BuyAlaska, an initiative under the Alaska SBDC, is dedicated to promoting and supporting local businesses. The program connects Alaskan businesses to consumers, helping to amplify the benefits of shopping local and strengthening Alaska’s economy.
For more information on supporting Small Business Saturday or learning about the Alaska SBDC’s services, visit www.aksbdc.org.
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