LANSING (WWJ) Today is Small Business Saturday.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a proclamation officially declaring November 30th, 2024, Small Business Saturday in Michigan. Her proclamation cemented an annual tradition of the day occurring the Saturday after Thanksgiving— part of the kickoff to holiday shopping season, along with Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
“…Michigan is home to a variety of vibrant industries, driven by talented and innovative entrepreneurs,” the proclamation reads.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up over 98% of Michigan businesses and employ half of Michigan workers.
“Whereas, if Michigan consumers redirected 10% of their estimated $30.3 billion in out-of-state commerce and remote sales, it would increase Michigan employment by more than 16,000 jobs and boost incomes by nearly $660 million,” the proclamation reads, citing a Michigan Retailers Association statistic.
American Express launched Small Business Saturday in 2010 to uplift entrepreneurs who had been hurt by the economic recession. In 2011, the senate unanimously passed a bill to support small businesses. By 2012, all 50 states participated in the unofficial holiday. Today is the 15th Annual Small Business Saturday,
American Express created a database of small businesses. You can search by zip code here.
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC), shopping local is even more important this year. Consumers are expected to spend an estimated $191 less on average at small businesses this holiday season than they did last year, due to rising costs and inflation. That’s a 40% downturn from the 2023 shopping season.
See 15 stories from small business owners across the country reflecting on the impact of this day
The USCC called small businesses “the backbone of our economy.”
“The day infuses money back into our local economies, promotes vibrant and diverse communities, and celebrates the important role of small businesses in the national economy,” the USCC said.
Many small businesses also create unique items that serve as personable, thoughtful gifts—and can’t be found in big box retailers. The sales tax dollars spent at local shops and eateries go directly back to your community to help infrastructure, including roads, schools and parks. For those who prefer to shop online, many offer that option too.