Why Shop Small Business Saturday #SmallBizSat

Small Business Saturday is around the corner. Small Business Saturday is the Saturday, November 24th – the Saturday after Black Friday and is a way to encourage people to shop local.  I’ll be promoting why I shop local and why I will be shopping on Small Business Saturday all November.

Why Shop Small Business Saturday?

The same reason we should  shop small businesses all year long – to encourage economic growth in our communities. Now more than ever, we need to support our local small businesses. It is critical to keep our community’s economy healthy and retain local jobs.   I also like to shop locally because I can find unique products and unbeatable service compared to a national chain.

My husband and I are small business owners. My small business is AkronOhioMoms.com and I’m also an independent freelance writer.  My husband owns and operates a small web and graphic design business. Through our small businesses, we have the opportunity to meet and work with many other local people and companies. We work long hours and don’t have the cushy payment that we can depend on every Friday. We work long hours but it is what we enjoy and what we like. It is our dream to own and operate our own small business. That is how it is with entrepreneurs of all types. They turn their passions into a reality with their own investments and countless hours.

When I support a local small business, I am supporting people just like my husband and I who are working hard to be successful doing what they love. I get to know the owners of the stores, restaurants, bakeries, and entertainment locations. For instance, I just wrote a review for Miss Jackie’s Sweet Treats. Jackie is a mom just like you and me who turned her passion and abilities into a sweet business.  Greg at Pizza BOGO always has a smile on his face as he greets his customers by name, delivering outstanding hot pizza perfect any night of the week.  Another local small business that my family loves to visit is House of Hunan for delicious Chinese food.  Hattie’s Cafe and Gifts not only offers delicious snacks but benefits local adults with disabilities. You can beat the bread that you can purchase at Great Harvest Bread Company. There are many, many small businesses all around you that offer unbeatable products and services, unique selections, and personal customer service.

Last year, 100 million people decided to “Shop Small” to support small businesses within their communities. American Express will be rewarding people with a $25 statement credit to card members that shop on Small Business Saturday starting November 18th. That is just icing on the cake for shopping small businesses.

By shopping local and being a small business owner, my kids learn what it takes to work hard and about how free enterprise works.  Let’s support our small businesses this Small Business Saturday and all year long for the good of our local economy and communities. The Akron, Ohio area is covered with small businesses. You can find your local map here too.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for American Express. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.

Cindy

Founder and Lead Blogger at Akron Ohio Moms

Cindy is the top Akron Blogger with her own take on awesome brands for families, where to vacation for families, a beat on local activities and family fun, a knack for getting moms to share , and a house that is always 2 weeks away from a complete remodel!