SBA Update – 11/22/21 – Small Business Saturday

Good afternoon Montana-

Small Business Saturday is celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which is this Saturday (November 27, 2021)!  In Montana, small business and entrepreneurs are the backbone of Montana’s economy as they account for 99.3% of all Montana businesses.  This holiday season please join us in supporting our small local business during your holiday shopping.  Don’t forget to forget to visit your favorite local independent coffee shop, eatery, or restaurant as you are out shopping small.  If you are looking for holiday shopping ideas, please consider looking at Montana’s Department of Commerce’s “Made in Montana” program that has over 2,400 active members highlighted on their website: Shop (madeinmontanausa.com) .  The Made in Montana program was highlighted in the Montana District Office’s December Monthly Focus on shopping small and shopping local, here is the link:  December – Shop Small/Shop Local

Last year, shoppers came together in full-force to support their local communities, and Small Business Saturday hit a record high with an estimated $19.8 billion in reported spending.  Here are some additional highlights from 2020 that were captured in the American Express Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey to consider as you prepare your shopping list for this Saturday:

• 97% of shoppers recognized the positive impact they can make by shopping small.
• 85% of U.S. consumers reported they also encouraged friends and family to Shop Small as well.
• 75% of U.S. consumers will Shop Small because they want to support their favorite local shops and restaurants during this challenging time.
• 88% of U.S. consumers feel a personal commitment to support small businesses in the wake of the pandemic.
• 56% of shoppers reported they shopped online with a small business on Small Business Saturday, an increase from 43% in 2019.

Let’s keep up the momentum – Montana’s small businesses still need our support as they continue to navigate, retool, and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

I look forward to seeing you shopping small this Saturday!

Take care,

-Brent.

Brent E. Donnelly

District Director – Montana

U.S. Small Business Administration

10 West 15^th Street – 1100

Helena, MT  59626

Desk: 406-441-1083

Mobile: 406-439-7613

http://www.sba.gov