Small Business Saturday is right around the corner! Falling right in the middle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s a full weekend of frantic spending and bustling preparation for holidays. But what is the actual significance of this day, and why is it so important in the midst of 2020?

Let’s start with a quick history lesson. In 2010, during the economic recession, Small Business Saturday launched to help initiate support for local businesses who were suffering during the economic downturn. The following year, it picked up speed, growing into a movement supported by officials throughout the country (The Story of The Shop Small Movement).

This day is not only important to small businesses across the U.S., but to the communities they reside in. It’s estimated that $0.67 of each dollar spent at a local business stays within the community. In turn, it’s a win-win! Strategic spending like this can promote a healthier local economy and our favorite small business owners (Small Business Saturday).

In the unpredictable year of 2020, it’s crucial to support our local businesses and communities. To make supporting our community even easier, we’ve gathered some resources so you can plan and feel empowered to support small businesses this Saturday:

Ways to Find Small Businesses in Your City

1. Search hashtags on Instagram
   Start with #detroitssmallbusiness (or swap out Detroit for your city), click the tag and scroll through posts to find products/businesses that interest you.

2. Follow accounts that support and showcase local businesses
   Find the experts! Check out @detroitambassadors. They highlight businesses all year round to keep you connected in the city. Not sure where to start? Do a quick Google search for your nearest city + “Small Businesses.” Here’s a few accounts that focus on Detroit to get you started:

• @detroitambassadors
• @degcallbusiness
• @jadoredetroit
• @corktownbusiness
• @visitmidtowndetroit

How to Support without Spending Money
Support isn’t based solely on monetary spending. Use your voice and platform to promote your favorite local businesses this Saturday. Here’s some ways you can help spread awareness:

1. Like, comment, and share posts of small businesses
   It takes just a few seconds to do, and the impact is monumental!

2. Go live, create a vlog!
   Unlock your inner influencer and share your thoughts! Take a video right from your home or go out and mask up to share your shopping experience this Saturday.

3. Share accounts of businesses with friends and family
   It’s all about spreading awareness. If you come across a business you think your friend would love, share the account! Let them know why it made you think of them.

Things to Remember for Small Business Saturday in 2020

1. Do your research
   Think ahead if you already know where you’re going to shop. Remember that some businesses may only be operating from their online storefront. Before heading out, double check store hours. If the info is not readily available, send a quick inquiry via social media direct message. You’ll get a reply in no time!

2. Pack your patience
   Prep yourself for limited capacity in stores with open doors. Know that there may be a line and longer wait times to get in and start shopping. Take a deep breath! You’ve got this.

3. Mask up & make safety a priority
   Bring it all – masks, hand sanitizer, gloves, a back-up mask! Keep six feet minimum distance from other shoppers and remember that the wellbeing of all is what’s most important here.

If you’re supporting from the safety of your home this holiday, join us! We’ll be sharing posts of local Detroit small businesses on our Instagram story all day. Follow us @threadsfoc.