Small Business Saturday is Coming November 28! Is Your Business Ready?

Cups of hot cocoa shared with friends in online gatherings, a few friends gathered in large spaces outdoors, and online shopping sprees for loved ones... Our holiday season might look a bit different this year, but there still are opportunities to meet consumers where they are — be it online or safely on the premises — as shopping ramps up.

Put Your Business in a Strong Position Before you focus on the details of your Small Business Saturday plan, make sure that you have made your business as stable as possible. The SBA has put together covid-sb.org, which offers resources to help small businesses prepare for their busiest time of year, such as:  Financial information from the SBA  Cybersecurity tools and resources  Information on multiple types of loans Tax assistance resources Visit covid-sb.org to learn about the federal resources available to small businesses as we approach Small Business Saturday. Did you know? Small Business Saturday was started by American Express in 2010, and since 2015 has been co-sponsored by the SBA.  Total consumer spending on Small Business Saturday has reached an estimated $103 billion since the celebration began in 2010. Source: Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey

Simple Tips for Small Business Saturday Success Excerpted from the SBA Blog

Image courtesy of Dooder Focus on your Value Proposition What is unique about your business? Examples include: an ideal location, exclusive rights for a premium product, free returns after ninety days, free delivery, free installation, personal fitting for the product offering, or free shipping. This should be the starting point for creating holiday shopping buzz. Promote Gift Cards Promote gift cards. Many holiday shoppers buy gift cards or gift certificates for family and friends, representing a huge opportunity for your small business.

Give yourself a digital makeover Check your website, social media accounts, and review sites to make sure all online information about your small business is accurate and up to date. Focus on what you offer, where you’re located, hours, and how customers can contact you. Get Social Promote Small Business Saturday deals and share how you’re preparing your store. Use #ShopSmall on your social media posts to join the overall conversation. Encourage shoppers to share what they've purchased and tag your business. This can increase engagement of your posts, potentially reaching new customers.

Image courtesy of Dooder Partner up Contact other small businesses in your area and see how you can team up to provide special offers. Consider highlighting a local charity at your business. It’s a great way to embrace the spirit of the season and give back.

Download the Small Business Saturday Kit from American Express

The American Express Shop Small website includes marketing materials (including the image pictured at left) that you can use on your social media accounts or print and hang in your store. The hashtag #ShopSmall can help you connect to wider marketing efforts. American Express merchants can also add their business to the Shop Small map.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the UW-Madison SBDC office at sbdc@bus.wisc.edu or 608-263-2221 to request accommodations. The Wisconsin SBDC Network is a proud part of the Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in the University of Wisconsin System. It is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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