Carla Holland is available to speak to media about the value of Small Business Saturday.
Pitch
Expert available to speak on the importance of supporting Small Business Saturday.
Expert
Carla Holland, executive director, America's Small Business Development Center at Texas Tech University, (806) 834-7671 or Carla.Holland@ttu.edu
Talking points
The Northwest Texas Small Business Development Center (NWT SBDC), the region's premier provider of business assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs, wants to highlight Saturday, Nov. 26, as Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities.
What is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday was first launched in 2010 to help small businesses recover from the recession. It was an immediate success, leading to the U.S. Senate passing a resolution in 2011 to recognize the first Saturday after Thanksgiving as an annual holiday shopping tradition to support the small brick-and-mortar stores lining downtown main streets and neighborhoods across America. The day also helps customers who want access to unique products and experiences in their community and local economies that benefit from successful small businesses.
Small Business Saturday falls within the busiest holiday shopping season of the year and is designed as a counterpoint to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which typically favor big-box retail stores and large online merchants. Now in its 12th year, the initiative has spread across the country and even abroad, emphasizing the value that small businesses bring to their local communities.
Reasons to shop small
- Community well-being - Small businesses create jobs for residents, donate money to non-profits, invest in local schools and so much more.
- Personalized service - Many local business owners have a passion for their work and a commitment to their craft that goes far beyond their desire for financial gain. They view their customers as people, not just as sales opportunities. Small businesses are in a unique position to develop personal relationships with their customers, which translates to meeting needs and exceeding expectations.
- Keep dollars in the local economy - Thriving small businesses help create thriving communities. Many small businesses needed to close their doors because of the pandemic. The businesses that survived need support now more than ever. The support they receive from the community will help them continue to rebound and thrive in the future.
- Environmental sustainability - Shopping locally also has significant environmental benefits. Items purchased online must be shipped countless miles in fuel-consuming vehicles before they arrive at your door. For consumers who want to reduce their carbon footprint and overall ecological impact, a short trip to a local shop is a green alternative.
Quotes
- “Small business Saturday is an opportunity to show our small businesses that communities care about them.” – Carla Holland
