Make plans to ‘shop small’ this Saturday

This year, on Small Business Saturday, it is even more important than ever for all of us to “Shop Small.”

This year, on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 28), it is even more important than ever for all of us to “Shop Small.” As the voice for small business in the Federal government, the U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes how important it is to support our local, independently owned small businesses and restaurants.

Celebrated each year the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday is a chance for consumers to make a tremendous impact in their communities by supporting locally-owned small businesses that create jobs, boost the economy, and add vibrance and strength to neighborhoods. Since 2011, the U.S. Small Business Administration has been a formal cosponsor of Small Business Saturday alongside American Express.

Last year, shoppers came together in full force to support their communities, and Small Business Saturday spending hit a record high with an estimated $19.6 billion in reported sales. Shopping small and dining local has a huge impact on the 31.7 million small businesses in the United States where half of all U.S. workers are employed. Here in Pennsylvania, one million small businesses employ 2.5 million people. These small businesses, including veteran-owned and minority-owned small businesses, need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool, and pivot from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The holiday might look a little different this year; however, we can still share joy by shopping small and supporting our favorite small businesses, restaurants, and their employees all season long. To continue the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses, and to continue rebuilding our economy, please join me and the rest of the U.S. Small Business Administration in “Shopping Small.”

For more information on Small Business Saturday visit www.sba.gov/saturday.

Steven R. Dixel serves as the district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Eastern Pennsylvania District Office, where he is responsible for the delivery and leadership of the agency’s financial and business development programs throughout the eastern 40 counties of Pennsylvania. He has nearly 30 years of federal service, during which he has worked for three federal agencies in the Financial and Operations fields throughout his career.

Steve Dixel