Get Ready for Small Business Saturday, Nov 30! #ShopSmall & #BuyAlaska
Mark your calendars for November 30, 2024—Small Business Saturday! This annual event, celebrated Saturday after Thanksgiving, is a perfect opportunity for Alaskans to show love for their local businesses.
This month, we’ve teamed up with the BuyAlaska Program to explore why Small Business Saturday is so important, how you, as a local business owner, can get involved, and how we can help!
Why Small Business Saturday Matters
Small businesses are the heart of Alaska’s economy, representing over 99% of all businesses and employing nearly 140,000 Alaskans. When you shop locally, you’re not just buying products but investing in your community. Every dollar spent at a small business circulates in the local economy, helping support jobs, schools, and vital community services. Local businesses notably support charities 4x the rate of non-local businesses, and twice the revenue pays out local wages.
According to BuyAlaska: Small Business Saturday encourages residents to think local first and recognize the unique offerings that Alaskan entrepreneurs bring to the table. From handcrafted goods to delicious local cuisine, our small businesses provide a distinctive flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
How You Can Participate in Small Business Saturday:
Here are some ways you can participate in Small Business Saturday and boost your visibility:
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Join the FREE BuyAlaska Business Directory: Sign up for the BuyAlaska directory or add a gift idea to the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide to promote your business as a go-to destination, product, or service for local shoppers. Being featured in this directory helps consumers find you and highlights your commitment to supporting the local economy.
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FREE 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. Want a customized version? Add your business logo to our customized Shop Small Heart graphic!
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FREE 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.
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Plan Special Promotions: Create exclusive deals or promotions for Small Business Saturday. Consider offering discounts, bundles, or special events to attract customers. This is a great way to encourage new and returning customers to shop at your business.
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Engage with Your Community: Partner with other local businesses for joint promotions or events. Collaborating can increase foot traffic and create a vibrant shopping atmosphere. Think of ways to host community gatherings, workshops, or pop-up shops that showcase your products.
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Leverage Social Media: Use your social media channels to spread the word about your participation in Small Business Saturday. Share behind-the-scenes stories, highlight your products, and promote your special offers. Encourage your customers to use hashtags like #SBDCShopSmall, #BuyAlaska, and #ShopSmall.
Join Us in Making an Impact!
At the Alaska SBDC, we’re dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs thrive. This Small Business Saturday, let’s work together to encourage Alaskans to support our small businesses. By shopping locally, we enrich our communities and contribute to a sustainable and resilient economy.
For more resources on how to get involved, visit www.aksbdc.org or check out the BuyAlaska program to see how your business can benefit.
Let’s make this Small Business Saturday one to remember!