Want to make a big impact on your community?
Start small.
In 2010, that idea inspired American Express to create Small Business Saturday, a holiday that encourages people to spend their money at independently owned local businesses: shops, restaurants, hotels, attractions and more. The event started small—relatively speaking—but the public response was so enthusiastic that it quickly grew.
In 2011, local officials across the nation caught wind of Small Business Saturday and began to promote it. That same year, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the day, and communities participated in all 50 states.
Over the next decade, the holiday continued to attract more attention from consumers and businesses across the nation. In 2019, the 10th Annual Small Business Saturday hit a record high, as 110 million shoppers spent an estimated $19.6 billion at corner stores, mom ‘n’ pop shops and independent diners. It was a big day for small biz.
It probably goes without saying that, this year, small businesses need your support more than ever. Shops, restaurants, hotels, attractions—all of them have had a tough year due to COVID-19, and you can support them by shopping for holiday gifts at local stores, ordering takeout from your favorite local restaurants, planning a staycation at a local hotel, and exploring all the fun places in your town.
But here’s the thing: When you spend money at a small business, you’re not only supporting the owner and employees of the business—you’re making an impact on the entire community. For every dollar spent at a small business, about 67 cents STAYS in the local community.
And that’s a big deal for everyone.
How are you planning to support small businesses in DuPage County? Let us know on social media using #CelebrateLocal