The day after Thanksgiving is better known as Black Friday to shopping enthusiasts and deal lovers. Many people find sales at a variety of big box stores and other retailers. However, did you know there is a day dedicated to the small businesses in your community?
Saturday, November 27 marks Small Business Saturday, a day created by American Express in 2010 to encourage people to shop small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. By 2011, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the day and all 50 states participated. Today, the day even gets recognized by the president of the United States.
In Flint, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Small Business Saturday. First, by supporting your favorite local small business, discover some favorites in the Explore Flint & Genesee Blog post Support Small Business this Holiday Season in Flint & Genesee.
Another way to participate in the holiday is by attending a local Small Business Saturday event. On November 27, Flint Small Business Saturday is hosting Flint’s Small Business Holiday Marketplace at Word of Life Christian Church from noon – 5 p.m. The local organization has been hosting this event since 2017 and has grown significantly each year.
Looking for more small businesses to support? Check out the Flint Handmade Holiday Craft Market at the Flint Farmers’ Market. The market will feature over 20 local artisans from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on November 27.
You can also shop local downtowns including Flushing which has a map of local businesses with deals for the day with a chance to win a gift basket for participating, or downtown Flint where local businesses have come together to create a directory for visitors.
If you aren’t sure what to buy on Small Business Saturday, you can always support a local small business by buying a gift card to either give as a holiday gift or hold on to for later use.
Finally, you can support small businesses by sharing information online. Following, liking and sharing information from your favorite local small business on social media can have a great impact. Spreading awareness of what Flint & Genesee small businesses have to offer is a great way to celebrate the day.
