Why Small Business Saturday Matters

The Power of Small Businesses: Celebrating Small Business Saturday and Women Entrepreneurs

Each year, Small Business Saturday provides a counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of Black Friday, shining a spotlight on the local shops, services, and entrepreneurs that make up the fabric of our communities. This movement is more than just a shopping holiday - it’s a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the economic and social impact of small businesses.

The Origins of Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday was established in 2010 by American Express during the aftermath of the Great Recession. Its purpose? To support small businesses that were struggling to compete with larger retailers during the holiday shopping season. What began as a simple idea has grown into a nationwide movement, with millions of consumers participating every year to champion their local economies.

The impact is profound: for every $100 spent at a small business, $68 stays in the local economy. This reinvestment strengthens neighborhoods, creates jobs, and fosters a sense of community that big-box stores and online giants simply can’t replicate.

Small Businesses: The Backbone of Our Economy

Small businesses account for 99% of all businesses in the United States and are responsible for creating nearly two-thirds of new jobs each year. These numbers highlight their essential role in economic growth, but what’s often overlooked is the human story behind each small business. These ventures are dreams brought to life, representing the passions, values, and hard work of their owners.

Small businesses are also incredibly diverse, offering everything from artisanal goods to innovative services. They cater to niche markets, provide personalized experiences, and prioritize customer relationships - all of which set them apart from their larger counterparts.

The Rise of Women-Owned Businesses

Among the small business sector, women-owned businesses are a powerhouse. Women entrepreneurs employ over 10.1 million people and generate $1.8 trillion in revenue annually. The ripple effect of their success is extraordinary: women reinvest 90% of their income back into their families and communities, compared to 30-40% reinvestment rates by men.

Historically, women have faced significant barriers to entry in business, from limited access to capital, to societal expectations. Despite these challenges, women have always found ways to contribute to their communities through entrepreneurship. From running boarding houses in the 19th century to operating small retail shops and service-based businesses in the early 20th century, women have long leveraged their resourcefulness to create economic opportunities.

Today, the rise of online platforms and community-driven initiatives like Small Business Saturday has given women entrepreneurs more visibility and tools to succeed. We're seeing women excel across industries, from tech startups to wellness coaching, proving that their innovative contributions are indispensable to the marketplace.

Why Supporting Small Businesses Matters

When you choose to support small and women-owned businesses, you’re doing more than making a purchase - you’re championing a vision for a brighter, more equitable future. Here’s why your support matters:

• You create jobs. Small businesses are one of the largest employers in the country, and every dollar spent helps sustain these jobs.
• You fuel innovation. Small businesses often serve as incubators for creativity, offering unique products and services that aren’t found elsewhere.
• You strengthen communities. Local businesses invest in their neighborhoods, from hiring residents to supporting local causes.
• You empower women and minorities. Supporting diverse entrepreneurs helps bridge economic gaps and fosters inclusion in the business world.

Spotlight: Amazing Women-Led Businesses

As a coach for wellness entrepreneurs, I’ve had the privilege of working with extraordinary women who are building businesses aligned with their passions and values. Their work embodies the heart and soul of what makes small businesses so impactful.

Here are a few incredible businesses you can support this Small Business Saturday. Click on their name to learn more about them and their businesses:

1. Heather Alaine, Wellbeing Coach
   Helping women feel strong in their bodies, tame thoughts that don't serve, and be truer to their hearts.

2. Eli's Naturals, Clinical Herbalist & Holistic Health Coach
   Helping women with chronic health conditions regain their health through herbal medicine.

3. Jen Kagan, Healthy Lifestyle and Yoga Mentor for Interpreters
   Empowering sign language interpreters to get out of pain and tension and create a sustainable career.

4. Lisa Gatti, Functional Nutritionist and Eating Behavior Specialist
   Supporting clients with disordered eating, eating disorders, and chronic dieting habits.

5. Janette Holland, Mon Chère Beauty
   Specializing in European biological medicine, a la carte treatments, and longevity enhancements.

6. Gillian Wagner, Yoga Therapy & Embodied Coaching
   Integrating scientific and soulful practices to foster personal insight and well-being.

7. Cathy Brodsky, Pain Management Coach
   Empowering individuals to actively engage in their pain relief journey with evidence-based strategies.

8. Laurie Beck, Plant-Based Cooking & Nutrition Instructor
   Helping women incorporate whole-food, plant-based cooking to reach their health goals.

9. Dr. Stacey Francis, Specific Wellness Clinic
   Providing holistic care as a Chiropractic Kinesiologist and nutritional consultant to reduce inflammation.

10. Jenn Zingmark, Divorce Coach
    Offering hope, healing, and happiness for LDS/Christian women navigating divorce.

11. Nina Dryden, Confidence Coach and Midlife Makeover Facilitator
    Helping women stay true to themselves while daring to live life on their own terms.

12. Tesla Hippies, Missy and David Hartley
    Teaching yoga worldwide and empowering others to live abundant, adventurous lives.

13. Heather Wise, Corporate Wellness and Author
    Helping corporations infuse wellness into the workplace and the author of A Gut Feeling.

14. Regan Macaulay, Canine & Feline Massage Therapist & Reiki Practitioner
    Providing therapeutic massage and remote Reiki to enhance the well-being of pets.

Small Business Saturday: How You Can Help

You don’t have to spend big to make a big impact. Here are some simple ways you can support small businesses:

• Shop local. Visit your favorite small businesses or discover new ones in your area.
• Share on social media. A post about your experience or a simple shoutout can boost visibility.
• Write a review. Positive reviews on Google or Yelp help small businesses attract new customers.
• Buy gift cards. They’re a great way to support businesses now while giving the recipient flexibility.

Investing in Yourself This Season

Small Business Saturday isn’t just about supporting others; it’s also a time to invest in your growth.

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Let’s work together to create lasting habits, break through self-doubt, and make 2025 your breakthrough year.

Final Thoughts Small businesses are the soul of our economy and communities. This Small Business Saturday, let’s make a collective effort to support these dreamers and doers. Together, we can create a world where every entrepreneur’s vision has the opportunity to flourish.

With so much gratitude,
Kelsey Matheson

References:

1. Small Businesses Account for 99% of All Businesses in the U.S.

   • Source: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Advocacy
   • Link: www.sba.gov/advocacy

2. Small Businesses Create Nearly Two-Thirds of New Jobs Annually

   • Source: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
   • Link: www.sba.gov/advocacy

3. For Every $100 Spent at a Small Business, $68 Stays in the Local Economy

   • Source: American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA)
   • Link: www.amiba.net

4. Women-Owned Businesses Employ Over 10.1 Million People and Generate $1.8 Trillion in Revenue

   • Source: National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
   • Link: www.nawbo.org

5. Women Reinvest 90% of Their Income Back into Families and Communities

   • Source: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
   • Link: www.undp.org

6. Small Business Saturday Was Established in 2010 by American Express

   • Source: American Express Small Business Saturday History
   • Link: www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/ 

7. Small Businesses Strengthen Communities

   • Source: Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
   • Link: www.lisc.org