Small Business Saturday, the annual day that recognizes the importance of independent businesses and encourages consumers to shop small and shop local, is slated for Saturday, Nov 29.
To celebrate, small business booster and WCCO host and media personality Sheletta Brundidge and her business ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com will treat all Minnesota small business owners to brunch.
“Small businesses keep the money circulating in our communities. They are our neighbors and they make our neighborhoods strong,” Brundidge said. “I’m excited to get them fired up for a great holiday season.”
The free festive brunch, which will feature unlimited mimosas, a waffle bar, and a DJ, will take place from 9 to 11 am on Nov 29 at the Coliseum Building at 2708 E Lake St in Minneapolis.
All of the business owners who attend will have the chance to enter a raffle and win a $1000 grant, donated by ShelettaMakesMeLaugh.com
“It’s been a tough year with tariffs, DEI rollbacks, and high inflation. Money is tight and folks are spending less; a lot of bigger companies are cutting back and not partnering with smaller contractors,” Brundidge said.
“But we’re still standing and we need to have some fun! I want to invite all small business owners to come together to celebrate our wins and our resilience.”
Guests at the free brunch will also have the chance to learn about initiatives that support small businesses. That includes $60 million in new funding from the MN PROMISE Act, which provides state funding to businesses in communities affected by structural racial discrimination, civil unrest, lack of access to capital, loss of population or an aging population.
In addition, there will be information on Minnesota’s new paid family and medical leave law, which begins in 2026.
The local business owners attending the brunch will also get the chance to network in a relaxed setting.
“Small business owners naturally exist in siloes. They have so much work to do that they don’t get the chance to get out and meet other business owners,” Brundidge said. “I know they will welcome this opportunity to come together and network. We have the capital to help each other succeed, but we have to know each other before we can help each other.”
Small Business Saturday is the kickoff to the make-or-break holiday shopping season, a time when profitability is at stake. Research in Constant Contact’s 2025 Small Business Holiday Outlook found that for 60% of small businesses, holiday spending accounts for up to half of their yearly sales.
This is the 16th year for Small Business Saturday and shoppers have become well aware of it. American Express’ 2025 Shop Small Impact Study found that 86% of consumers plan to Shop Small this holiday. That number is even higher among Millennials and Gen Z shoppers, known for patronizing community stores and local brands; 89% of them plan to spend their dollars at small businesses.
While the Small Business Saturday brunch is free and open to all, attendees are asked to register here.
“Just let me know you’re coming. I got to figure out how much food to get and how many bottles of champagne we need to be ready to open,” Brundidge said.