Small Business Saturday (SBS) has become a cornerstone of the holiday shopping season, especially for communities like Detroit. This initiative, which started in 2010, continues to provide a much-needed boost to local businesses. Here's why Detroit’s SBS is a must-attend event and how you can make the most of it:
What is Small Business Saturday?
- Date: Celebrated between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday encourages shoppers to support local businesses.
- Purpose: It promotes shopping small and local, rather than at malls or big-box stores, helping small enterprises grow, create jobs, and stabilize communities.
Why Shop Small in Detroit?
- Community Support: Shopping at local businesses ensures that the money spent stays within the community, strengthening the local economy and enriching neighborhoods.
- Unique Finds: Detroit is home to a vibrant mix of businesses that offer everything from handmade crafts to innovative products. SBS allows residents and visitors to explore a range of unique, locally sourced goods.
- Family-Oriented Events: SBS is more than just shopping. Events like Shop Small in Grandmont Rosedale feature food trucks, vendor markets, and even dance performances, making it a family-friendly day out.
Key Highlights for Detroit's SBS 2024
- Pop-up Shops: Look out for temporary stalls from vendors without a physical store presence. It's a fantastic way to support new entrepreneurs and discover exclusive, hard-to-find products.
- Community Partnerships: The DEGC is working with business associations and local partners like Tech Town and Build Institute to create exciting events in commercial districts across the city.
- Holiday Gift Guide: For those looking to shop on a budget, the DEGC has released a Holiday Gift Guide featuring 50 items under $50 from Detroit retailers.
How Businesses Can Maximize SBS
- Extended Hours: To make the most of the foot traffic, businesses are encouraged to extend their store hours.
- Collaborations: By teaming up with neighboring shops, businesses can create a holistic shopping experience that encourages customers to visit multiple locations.
- Leverage Social Media: Using hashtags like #ShopSmallDetroit and engaging with local influencers can drive more traffic both in-store and online.
Making a Long-term Impact
SBS isn’t just a one-day event; it’s about fostering year-round support for small businesses. By taking stock of what works during SBS and building on it, businesses and customers alike can help keep Detroit's commercial districts thriving all year long.
Let’s make this year's Small Business Saturday a day to celebrate and uplift Detroit’s remarkable local businesses!
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Exciting Opportunity for Local Vendors! | |
Our friends at Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation are hosting Holidays on Grand River on November 30, 2024 as part of Small Business Saturday – and they’re looking for local vendors! This festive celebration will feature holiday entertainment, family-friendly activities, and the neighborhood’s first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting at the Grand Parklet!
Interested in showcasing your business at their Holiday Pop-Up Shop? Don’t miss out – spaces are limited!
Let’s support our community and make this holiday season unforgettable!
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SMALL BIZ BOOST INITIATIVE | |
SMALL BUSINESS
SUPPORT HUBS
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Explore key initiatives and collaborations from SBSH partners making a difference in the community. | |
BUILD Institute has officially launched the first cohort of the BUILD, Grow, Evolve program, featuring 12 remarkable entrepreneurs. This three-year program is designed to help Detroit-based businesses tackle key challenges in growth, scaling, and achieving sustainable success. The entrepreneurs will benefit from:
- Peer support through collaboration and shared experiences.
- A dynamic curriculum tailored to address the specific needs of growing businesses.
- Expert guidance on navigating the complexities of scaling and long-term viability.
BUILD Institute extends its gratitude to Detroit Means Business and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for their crucial support in making this initiative a reality. This program marks an important step toward fostering a robust entrepreneurial community in Detroit.
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To learn more, find your DBL, or get connected to valuable resources, visit: DEGC DBL Page. Let us help your business thrive! | |
Small Business Catalyst Fund | |
Accelerate Your Business Growth Take the next step in growing your business with the Small Business Catalyst Fund, a new initiative designed to help small businesses secure capital and funding. Created through a partnership between the Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) and Fifth Third Bank, this fund connects business owners to capital options through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). | |
Key Highlights:
- $5,300 grants available to small businesses in select areas.
- Loan opportunities range from $5,000 to $750,000.
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Application window: Oct. 31 – Nov. 24, 2024.
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If you are ready to expand your business or explore funding options, apply now for a grant or loan to keep your momentum going. | |
Level Up Your Marketing: Insights from Detroit Regional Chamber at MACP | |
On October 30, 2024, marketing experts from the Detroit Regional Chamber shared key strategies to enhance your business’s marketing efforts at the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals conference. Their insights included how to create accessible email campaigns, leverage social media to build connections, and use analytics to track performance. Whether you're refining your brand or learning how to use content scheduling tools, these tips can help improve engagement and grow your business. Read More | |
Starting a Small Business | |
On December 10, 2024, the Detroit Public Library will host a free seminar on starting a small business, led by Richard Choi from the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MSBDC). This session will offer expert advice on business planning, financial management, and entrepreneurship. A great opportunity for aspiring business owners to gain valuable insights. Read more and Register | |
Supporting Small Businesses in Detroit’s New Center | |
On October 16, 2024, Henry Ford Health, the Detroit Pistons, and Michigan State University announced a major initiative to support small businesses as part of their $3 billion development in Detroit’s New Center. The plan focuses on job creation, small business engagement, and innovation, ensuring small businesses thrive during and after construction, which is expected to continue through 2029. Read more | |
Our Small Business Call Center is open to take calls
M-F 9AM-5PM at (844) 333-8249.
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