EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — After Black Friday comes Small Business Saturday, a day that aims to encourage more holiday shoppers to buy gifts from the local businesses that shape their communities.
The American Express 2022 Small Business Economic Impact Study found that for every dollar spent at a small business in the United States, $0.68 stays in the local community.
Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express back in 2010 with the Small Business Administration (SBA) signing on as a sponsor the following year.
“By shopping small, you’re investing directly in our community and helping create a stronger place for our neighbors,” SBA District Director Robert J. Piechota said in a press release.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, small businesses make up 99% of businesses in the United States, and roughly 79% of those businesses say this holiday season will be important for their overall profit this year. That statistic is up from 70% in 2024.
“This year, support for small businesses is especially important,” the Chamber of Commerce writes. “Tariffs, uncertainty, and underwhelming revenue growth are front and center on the minds of small business owners heading into the holiday season.”
RELATED: RI small business owners concerned about impacts of tariffs
More than half of small businesses are reportedly planning to offer seasonal discounts and many will be extending their regular business hours.
The Chamber of Commerce notes that you can support small businesses by shopping in person or online.
You can find small businesses that accept VISA credit or debit cards here, and you can find small businesses that accept American Express here.
If you’re shopping through Google, you can filter your search results to only show small businesses by clicking “See more” under “Refine results,” and then clicking “Small businesses.”
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How to filter Google shopping results to only show small businesses
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How to filter Google shopping results to only show small businesses
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