Mark your calendar — Small Business Saturday (November 25) is almost here! American Express started the grassroots movement in 2010 to encourage more people to “Shop Small”. Today it’s a Salt Lake City shopping tradition that has taken root.
We see the trend that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are no longer days on the calendar but a week long push for holiday shoppers, inundating them with offers. Help Salt Lake City’s small businesses stand out and compete. “Vote” with your dollars. By placing those dollars in your local business we help strengthen our local economy.
Advantages to Buying Locally
- Small businesses give their customers a custom shopping experience they can’t get anywhere else. It’s about relationships and exceptional customer service.
- You know when you buy from local small business your gift will be thoughtful and unique.
- Small business anchors the popular commercial districts in our city. By supporting local business, we help keep that quaint shopping experience within our communities.
- Small business owners are artists and makers. They are original, productive and creative. They fuel new concepts and ideas that make our economy thrive.
The Hidden Costs of Getting a Good Deal
If you spend $100 at a national retailer, $13 stays in Utah. But if you spend $100 at a locally owned business $55 stays in Utah. 
“It’s a way to support Main Street and our small businesses in the community,” says Director of Salt Lake City Economic Development Lara Fritts, “If you’re going to spend a hundred dollars for a holiday gift, think about just spending 10 percent of that—which is only $10—to a local business. If everyone did that, we can return over $1 billion to our local economy.”
Mayor Jackie Biskupski has signed a proclamation declaring November 25, 2017, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, as Small Business Saturday in Salt Lake City. The proclamation reaffirms our commitment to the nationwide effort, “During Small Business Saturday, we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and hard work of all small business owners and employees, and reaffirm our commitment to keeping America the best place in the world to do business.”
How You Can Help – Small Business Resources
- Register your business with Local First Utah or find one here
- A list of businesses who have received a loan from Salt Lake City’ Economic Development Loan Fund, a great program to help small businesses succeed!
- Salt Lake City Arts Council Holiday Craft Market
- Salt Lake City Winter Market
- Utah Arts Festival Holiday Show
Even if you don’t have a lot of shopping on your list, you can help by going out to your local coffee shop, go out to breakfast, get a pedicure, … anything that helps honor and celebrate the hardworking men and women who fuel Salt Lake City’s economy.
Spread the word — let your friends know on social media that you support the #ShopSmall movement.
Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development 