Small Business
Saturday ON NOVEMBER 27, 2021
Shop. Eat. Enjoy. Local for the Holidays!
Though “small” is in the title, the impact you make by celebrating Small Business Saturday is BIG. This season, it’s more important than ever to support the local businesses we love. Things may look different this year, but we can use our dollar to help small businesses make it through this difficult time. Small Business Saturday started amid the Great Recession in 2010 as a way to boost local economies. In 2011, business associations, nonprofit trade groups, municipalities, and public officials start to unite, forming a Small Business Saturday Coalition to encourage everyone to Shop Small the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Since then, consumers have spent well over $100 billion at small businesses over 10 days alone, and it’s gotten so big that even former President Obama gave it a shoutout in 2013. That year, 1,400 businesses signed up to be Neighborhood Champions to host events, activities and discounts. The event continues to grow, and the number of Neighborhood Champions grew to 7,500 in 2018. This year, there are more ways to shop local than ever before, with many stores offering online shopping and/or curbside pickup. Though the
holiday will take place on Nov. 27, Downtown Bozeman is encouraging locals to Shop Small every Saturday through the holidays. About 62% of U.S. small businesses say they need to see consumer spending to return to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2020 in order to stay in business, according to American Express, the founder of Small Business Saturday. By shopping small, you’re helping protect jobs and keep your money local. When you shop local, American Express estimates about 67 cents of your dollar stays in your community. Bozeman has about 300 small businesses, according to Downtown Bozeman, with our town’s small businesses offering a wide array of unique items and nearly everything you could ever need to purchase. It isn’t hard to shop local here. There’s a strong base of local businesses across the state: Montana has about 115,326 small
businesses, according to a study published by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2015, and those businesses employed about two-thirds of the state’s population. There’s no doubt about it: Shopping small makes a big difference in Montana, and this year’s no different.
SHOPPING LOCAL is now more crucial than ever
The importance of shopping locally has been emphasized with increasing urgency in recent years. Small Business Saturday has brought some muchneeded attention to the importance of shopping local, which is even more crucial now as so many small businesses try to survive the pandemic. A poll from the trade group the National Federation of Independent Business reported that about half of all the businesses in the survey reported a 25 percent drop in sales since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, and roughly one in five businesses have seen sales decline by more than 50 percent. If the economic climate does not radically improve, 20 percent of small businesses won’t survive. According to NBC News, small businesses employ 60 million people in the United States, almost half of the nation’s private-sector employees. In addition, small businesses generate tax revenues that help communities by funding schools, maintaining parks and contributing to public safety programs. However, based on research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, even before COVID-19 spread across the world, only 20 percent of healthy small businesses
had sufficient cash reserves to continue to operate if they experienced a revenue loss for two months. Some have been shuttered for much longer. Individuals looking for everything from clothing to home improvement services to office supplies can look to small businesses to fill those needs. • Look for small businesses for any and all of your shopping needs. Chances are items sold by big box retailers also are sold by small businesses. When the options are the same or similar, purchase from a small business instead of its big box competitor. • Readily provide recommendations of small businesses with which you have done business. Too often people are quick to complain about places that have failed them, but those same people don’t think to say kind words about companies that went above and beyond. Share great experiences on social media or through word of mouth. • Talk to small businesses owners first if you have an issue. It’s tempting to go directly to social media to complain about something, but such complaints can have a dire impact. Always take issues to the manager or business owner first to see if a resolution can be reached. A manager may not be aware of an issue at all. Give small businesses a
Individuals looking for everything from clothing to home improvement services to office supplies can look to small businesses to fill those needs.
chance to make it right before taking things public. • If you own a small business, rely on other small businesses to fulfill your needs. Order supplies from fellow small business owners, seek the help of local financial advisors and tax professionals and use local suppliers and delivery personnel. Small businesses have experienced unprecedented setbacks due to COVID-19. By supporting small businesses, communities can help them regain stable footing.
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ReCouture Boutique Upscale Resale & Closet Services 2320 W. Main St. Suite 1 Bozeman, MT www.recoutureboutique.com (406) 582-5710 Small Business Saturday receive $10 off your purchase of $30 or more!
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SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
How to make the most of
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Gifts and gatherings take center stage come the holiday season. The holiday season begins on Thanksgiving and continues until New Year’s Day. During that time, families gather to exchange gifts, break bread, celebrate their faith, and toast the year to come. The good times and gatherings that are such a big part of the holiday season were absent from many celebrations in 2020. Though the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, the successful rollout of various vaccines should make the coming holiday season feel more normal. That means gift exchanges and gatherings are back in play. Savvy celebrants recognize the benefits of shopping early, and Small Business Saturday is a great chance to get back in the holiday swing of things while supporting the local businesses that make communities so unique. • Plan ahead. Small Business Saturday takes place each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States. Since its inception in 2010,
Small Business Saturday has grown in popularity. American Express estimates that 110 million people participated in Small Business Saturday in 2019, which underscores how shoppers can benefit from planning ahead. Research sales and inventories of local businesses you want to support so you’re ready to go come Saturday morning. Doing your homework can make it easier to navigate the crowds. • Reserve a table at your favorite restaurant. A great meal with friends and family can be an ideal way to cap off a day of shopping, and it’s a great way to support a local restaurant. It’s worth noting that a National Today survey of 1,000 shoppers that focused on Small Business Saturday shopping habits found that food and groceries were the most popular things to buy local. Saturday is traditionally a popular night to dine out, and that popularity is even greater on Small Business Saturday. Shoppers can ensure they aren’t waiting for a table by booking a reservation in
Small Business Saturday is a great chance to get back in the holiday swing of things while supporting the local businesses that make communities so unique.
advance. • Check your social media feeds. Many small businesses have recognized the value of communicating directly with consumers through their social media feeds. Throughout the day, shoppers can keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn about special sales or events. In addition, shoppers can share
their shopping experiences via their own feeds. Many small businesses rely on word-of-mouth from existing customers, so this can be another way to show your support for the establishments that call your community home. Small Business Saturday is a great way to begin the holiday shopping season on the right foot.
Reasons to SHOP SMALL
Your dollar goes further in your local community. American Express estimates that 67 cents of every dollar you spend at a local business stays in your community. It’s easier than ever before. The pandemic has compelled businesses to offer new, creative ways to shop, including curbside pickup, delivery, online shopping and ordering. And if you shop in person, chances are you won’t have to go far to fi nd a local business to support in Bozeman, with about 300 in our community.
Small businesses accounted for 64 percent of all new jobs created in the U.S. from 1993 to 2011, according to the Small Business Administration. Shopping small can help protect those jobs and create new ones in these tough economic times. More small businesses equal more options. A marketplace of thousands of small businesses leads to more innovation and keeps prices lower in the long-term. It’s sustainable. Small businesses tend to use more locally-sourced products, which further stimulates
FREE PARKING DAY FREE PARKING DAY
on Small Business Saturday
on Small Business Saturday Saturday, November 27
Saturday, November 27 The City of Bozeman has approved FREE PUBLIC PARKING IN DOWNTOWN BOZEMAN, ALL DAY on Saturday, November 27, The City of Bozeman has approved FREE PUBLIC PARKING IN 2021. To celebrate Small Business Saturday, all public parking lots DOWNTOWN ALL DAY on Saturday, and garagesBOZEMAN, will have free parking – this includes November the Bridger 27, 2021. To celebrate Small Business Saturday, all public parking Downtown Parking Garage (corner of Black & Mendenhall), as welllots and garages will have parking this includes the Bridger as free all four surface–lots.
Downtown Parking Garage (corner of Black & Mendenhall), as well as all four surface lots.
Cash In on the best gift of the season!
Are you in need of a unique gift idea for the holidays? Downtown Dollars can be used at over 300 Downtown Bozeman retailers, your favorite restaurants, and so much more!
Sales Locations & Online Purchasing at
DOWNTOWNBOZEMAN.ORG
the economy and is better for the environment, conserving energy and resources with less fuel for transportation and less packaging. Small businesses make Bozeman, Bozeman. They add color, vibrancy, character and value to where we live. Small businesses need us. Sixty-two percent of businesses surveyed by American Express said they need to see consumer spending return to preCOVID levels by the end of the year in order to stay in business.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY | 3
Unique reasons to shop at
SMALL BUSINESSES The numbers don’t lie. Locally owned businesses may be classified as “small,” but they have a big impact on the national economy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Business Employment Dynamics report, small businesses created 10.5 million net new jobs between 2000 and 2019, accounting for 65.1 percent of net new jobs created since 2000 in the United States. The Government of Canada reports that the number of small businesses in Canada in 2020 was far greater than the number of medium and large businesses, accounting for 97.9 percent of all the businesses in the country. Supporting locally owned businesses is a great way to support a neighbor, but that’s not the only attraction. Here are several reasons to shop small. THE FEEL-GOOD FACTOR Doing for others certainly has an impact on the person on the receiving end, but also benefits the do-gooders. A November 2020 survey by Union Bank found that 72 percent of Americans said supporting small businesses was more important than getting the best
deals. That may be due to the feeling of helping out a fellow neighbor. CREATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES Shopping at small businesses keeps those establishments afloat, and it also keeps their employees afloat. Small businesses are the largest employers in the United States. That’s also true in Canada, where 68.8 percent of the total labor force works for a small business. A person may never know when he or she — or a relative — will need a job. Keeping small businesses viable provides a strong job market for locals. KEEP MORE MONEY IN THE COMMUNITY The Small Business Administration says $48 out of every $100 spent at a small business stays in the community. Spend the same $100 at a national retailer and only $14 stays. ENJOY A MORE LOCAL FLAVOR National retailers and other businesses follow a global business
model that may not allow for much customization, but small businesses can provide products or services that relate directly to the needs of the communities they serve. These same small businesses also may be more
inclined to work with local vendors and start-ups than national companies that have global supply chains. These are just a few of the many reasons to seek out small businesses when in need of products or services.
BELGRADE & FOUR CORNERS Want to get out of town for the day, without having to go too far? Bozeman isn’t the only place you can shop local this holiday season: Plenty of good deals and unique, one-of-a-kind gift’s can be found across the Gallatin Valley. Four Corners alone has over 100 small businesses, offering jewelry stores, Montana-made furniture,
interior design, sporting goods, spas and more. You can shop for everything from stocking stuffers to big ticket items here, with plenty of food and beverage options if you need a break. Belgrade is also a great place to find something special at a locallyowned business. With ample parking and a growing downtown, Belgrade
is home to bakeries, restaurants, retail stores, barber shops, bars and even a microtel. The business community has been quietly flourishing, and you’re sure to find a great gifts and delicious food in Belgrade. Making it as a small business in a small town is tough, even when there isn’t a pandemic. Small towns are
part of what makes Montana, well, Montana, and their economies need our help to get through this difficult time. Shopping in a small town gives you the chance to support its local economy while exploring a new community, so don’t be afraid to venture out into Belgrade or Four Corners this Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we’re asking millions of Americans to shop small at their favorite local stores and help fuel the economy. We have many amazing small businesses that would like to welcome customers on SBS with varied promotions and activities. When we all shop small, it will be huge.
FOUR CORNERS SADDLERY & BOUTIQUE MT made jewelry & gifts
NOVEMBER27-28
Johnny Was Clothing & Scarves Ariat. Swig, Fringe Scarves, Kimes jeans, Ewe Hoo MT made hats Beaded hat bands & Dog Collars Winter Footwear & Cowboy Boots Canine Corner
Doors open at 10am
Great Gift ideas, even if your NOT horsey!
81770 Gallatin Rd, Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 587-7503
Small Business Saturday
25 All sweaters %
OFF
Located in Gallatin Valley Mall, 2825W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59718 (406) 624-6497 | Monday- Saturday 11-7 Sundays 11-5
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SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
A selection of
LOCAL BUSINESSES registered with American Express
BOZEMAN Community Food Co-op Bozeman Camera Giggles Toys and More Montana Gift Corral Bella Nails Distinctive Lighting Scrubby’s Car Wash Apricot Lane Ashley Furniture Dragonfly Dry Goods Malibu Tan All About Vaccuums Renew Skin Care Jensen Jewelers Rikki’s Furniture Gallery Wine Gallery Milkthistle Skin Care Mattress King Ambience Wellness Spa Jewelry Studio Good Vibrations Town and Country Foods
BELGRADE The Mint Cafe and Bar MacKenzie River Pizza Gallatin Coffee Company Dragonfly Pottery Yellowstone Harley Davidson Hd Fowler Mountain Man Trading Trendy Threads Game On Comics Stephanie Jarrett New Day Bakery Rocky Mountain Supply 1881 Tattoo Company A1 Motorsports
For More Information, Visit
https://downtownbozeman.org/ event/small-business-saturday