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By the U.S. Small Business Administration
America's small businesses power our economy. This holiday season, shop at local businesses to support the job creators in your community.
Holiday season support for small businesses is crucial
Your support for America’s small businesses is invaluable – and vital for businesses in our community to succeed, especially during the holiday season!
According to the Small Business Index, 8 in 10 small businesses say the holiday season is important for their overall profit. Constant Contact reports that the majority of small businesses relies on holiday shopping for at least one quarter of their annual revenue.
Help us make this year a success
•WHO are we celebrating: Small businesses, the heartbeat of our local communities and the festive centerpiece of our holiday experience.
•WHAT do we want people to remember: The holidays are a “Season of Small Business,” so get out there and shop local!
•WHEN does this “Season of Small Business” start: Right now, and it runs throughout the month of December.
•WHY is this campaign so important: Small businesses are pillars and for millions of new businesses, our support makes an even bigger difference!
Show your support
Each dollar spent at a local small business helps your community and sends a resounding message that shopping small this holiday season is an investment in the future.
√ Show your support by promoting your local shops using the hashtag #SeasonOfSmallBiz.
√ Encourage your social media followers to share their small business love through video messages, festive photos, and shopping local.
Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities
√ Small businesses create two-thirds of net new jobs.
√ Small businesses account for 40% of our nation's economic output.
√ Small businesses are job creators that drive innovation and competition.
Champion small businesses nationwide and #ShopSmall
Now more than ever, small businesses need our support. Please join SBA and organizations across the country as they celebrate small business contributions to their communities by shopping at a small business on Nov. 29, Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by SBA since 2011. It is an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season.
•In 2024, the reported projected spending in the U.S. from those who shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday was around $22 billion.
•Since 2010, the total reported U.S. spending at small businesses during the annual Small Business Saturday is an estimated $223 billion.
•Join the highly successful team of SBA and American Express in kicking off the 2025 holiday season. Support our nation’s more than 36 million independent businesses this Small Business Saturday and all holiday season long.
Amex impact
Since creating Small Business Saturday in 2010, American Express has championed the small businesses that fuel America’s local economies. This year, the company is introducing new initiatives – including a new $5 million Amex Shop Small Grants Program, a content partnership with creator and small business advocate Keith Lee, and free customized signage for small businesses – building on its long-standing commitment to help small businesses grow and support their communities year-round.
According to a new 2025 American Express Shop Small Impact Study, this holiday season 86% of consumers say they are likely to “Shop Small” – either in person or online – including 89% of millennials and Gen Z. On average, small business owners expect nearly 20% of their annual revenue to come from sales on Small Business Saturday alone.
“Small businesses are at the heart of every community – they bring people together, create opportunity and give neighborhoods their unique character,” said Jennifer Skyler, chief corporate affairs officer, American Express. “This year, in partnership with Main Street America, American Express is expanding our support with a new $5 million grant program and initiatives that inspire consumers and small businesses to join our long-standing ‘Shop Small Movement.’ We’re proud to continue backing the small business owners who make our communities stronger, not just on Small Business Saturday, but every day of the year.”
American Express and Main Street America, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening local economies, are launching the new Amex Shop Small Grants Program. Beginning Nov. 29, eligible U.S. small businesses can apply for one of the initial 250 grants of $20,000 each to grow, innovate and support their local communities. Small businesses can find out more details on the program page. Terms apply.
In tandem with the company’s “Member Since” campaign, Amex is introducing new customizable signage for small businesses, available for free, that allows merchants to proudly display how long they’ve been “In Business Since.” Through “Neighborhood Champions,” American Express also helps small businesses reach new customers, build meaningful connections and strengthen their local presence. Eligible businesses can order free “Shop Small” signage for their storefronts, websites and social channels, reinforcing that shopping small makes a big difference.
For more information about Small Business Saturday visit ShopSmall.com.
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Support our advertisers
The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, convener for leaders and influencers, and champion for stronger communities. The mission is to unify the surrounding communities and to promote them as a premiere place to live, work and play while promoting tourism, business development, quality of life and the history and culture of the region. For additional information, visit www.UpwardNiagara.com.
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Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce: ‘Support Local Everything’ for Small Business Saturday
Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce Press Release
The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce will celebrate Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29, encouraging residents and visitors to shop small and support the businesses that make the Niagara River Region unique.
To kick off the day, the Chamber will give away 50 free $15 gift certificates to the first 50 people who stop by the Chamber office and welcome center starting at 10 a.m. (while supplies last). Visit 895 Center St., Lewiston.
“Small Business Saturday is a simple reminder that where you shop matters,” said Amanda Haseley, president of the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce. “Our local businesses work hard all year, and this day is about showing up for them. A small purchase can have a big impact.”
Local businesses across Lewiston, Youngstown, Sanborn, and the surrounding region will offer specials and giveaways, including:
√ Buffalo Coffee Roastery (Sanborn) – $1 off per pound; free one-pot pouch with 2-pound purchase.
√ Chéri Amour (Lewiston) – Discounts and gifts with purchase.
√ DeGiulio’s Pharmacy (Lewiston) – 10% off most gift-side items.
√ Everything Youngstown (Youngstown) – Extended hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.); treats and free gift with purchase.
√ Historical Society of Lewiston – BOGO ornaments; get a free bicentennial coin and a copy of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution for the 250th anniversary of the United States!
√ Inspirations on Canvas (Lewiston) – 10% off in-store purchases; chance to win a $50 gift certificate.
√ Orange Cat Coffee Company (Lewiston) – 10% off all bulk coffee and loose-leaf tea.
√ Riverside Motel (Lewiston) – Multiple seasonal lodging discounts with promo codes.
√ Sgt. Peppers Hot Sauces, Etc. (Lewiston) – Raffle entry for $25 gift certificate with each purchase.
Small Business Saturday is sponsored locally by the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission.
1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 716-773-7676
Fax: 716-773-7190
