Small Business Saturday 2018 set for Nov. 24

Are you ready to shop, eat and celebrate with the small businesses in your neighborhood this holiday season? American Express has revealed its lineup of community programs for the ninth annual Small Business Saturday, taking place nationwide on Nov. 24.

Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express in 2010, is held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to shop at independently owned businesses online and at storefronts across the country.

This year, Lin-Manuel Miranda, American Express global brand ambassador and creator of hit Broadway musical “Hamilton,” is joining in to help bring awareness to the Shop Small movement and expand its presence in Puerto Rico. Miranda shares American Express’s values of building enduring relationships and supporting communities through small businesses. “When you Shop Small, you are backing the small businesses that strengthen and diversify our communities,” said Elizabeth Rutledge, chief marketing officer at American Express. “We’re extremely proud of how Small Business Saturday has grown over the past nine years. This year, we are excited to be working with Lin-Manuel Miranda and other local small business advocates who embody the spirit and passion of Small Business Saturday across the country and in Puerto Rico.”

“Communities like mine, Washington Heights in New York City, are made special and unique by small businesses. I’ve stayed in my community because neighbors are family, commercial strips are vibrant with bakeries, restaurants serve food as if your grandmother made it and bodegas are stocked with what you need,” says Miranda. “I’m excited to join American Express in celebrating Small Business Saturday this year, as they make communities stronger by supporting local business owners like my pharmacist Manny and my barber George.”

American Express is expanding its Small Business Saturday support to Puerto Rico this year, as local businesses continue to get back on their feet after last year’s storms. American Express will be supporting the island’s businesses in partnership with the Government of Puerto Rico through its Trade and Exports Company and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Puerto Rico District Office1, Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, LGBTTQ Chamber and the Puerto Rico Product Association (Hecho en Puerto Rico).

From coast to coast, communities are planning Small Business Saturday celebrations. Want to join in on the fun? These activities, backed by American Express, are a great place to start, helping to make this year’s Small Business Saturday special for everyone:

• Shop handmade gifts at Etsy pop-ups: American Express and Etsy have teamed up for the second year in a row to celebrate online small business owners from coast to coast. On Small Business Saturday, Etsy sellers will host pop-up markets as destinations to shop locally crafted, one-of-akind items this holiday season. Visit Etsy.com to find details on local Etsy seller markets near you.

• Jam with Record Store Day: Record Store Day will celebrate independent record stores with four limited-edition vinyl releases from Kid Doe, (Particle Kid + John Doe), Ben Folds, Tony Bennett + Diana Krall and Ingrid Michaelson. The special edition releases will hit shelves at record stores across the country on Small Business Saturday. Find more information and a record store near you at recordstoreday.com.

• Get lost in your local bookstore with Indies First: Indies First, the national campaign by the American Booksellers Association (ABA) supporting independent bookstores on Small Business Saturday, will once again mark the day by showing love for independent bookstores. The initiative will provide 20,000 special edition copies of author Jason Reynolds’ book, “Ghost,” to participating independent booksellers to give to young readers in underserved communities on or around Small Business Saturday.

• Celebrate with your neighborhood: More than 6,700 small business owners, individuals and community organizations have already pledged to be Neighborhood Champions this year, committing to host events and activities to rally their communities on Small Business Saturday. Shop Small enthusiasts can show their love for small businesses in their communities by getting out with family and friends to attend Neighborhood Champion events. Visit shopsmall. com to find Neighborhood Champions near you.

Millions of shoppers, food lovers, public officials and other supporters pledged their support on Small Business Saturday last year. This year, check with your local businesses and community organizations to see what they have planned for Small Business Saturday. Everyone is also welcome to join the movement on social media by using the hashtags #ShopSmall and #SmallBizSat. You can also RSVP on the Small Business Saturday Facebook page to Shop Small this Nov. 24 and receive reminders.