Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Small Business Saturday.
These are all examples of days set aside to remember someone (or something) very important to us. But often this well-deserved acknowledgement does more harm than good.
Don’t get us wrong, Small Business Saturday is an amazing way to call attention to the importance in shopping small but it can’t end there. Otherwise it’s just a blip on everyone’s very full calendars.
How to Make Small Business Saturday a Year-Round Program
There are very few businesses that cover their entire yearly operating revenue on Small Business Saturday that’s why it’s extremely important to talk about shopping small year round. Here are a few ideas on how you can do that in your community.
Spotlight Small Businesses Throughout the Year
Share their accomplishments, sales, and story all year long.
Launch a Community Currency Program
Local currency entices people to buy local and shop small throughout the year not just on one special day. Another benefit of a local currency program is that it allows everyone to participate, including chains. Big box stores can provide certificates as employee rewards, incentives, and gifts to show their support.
Host a Scrip Fundraiser
Schools can get in on the importance of shopping local also through a Scrip program. After all, small, local businesses are often avid supporters of the PTA and sports teams/leagues.
Blog and Socialize Local
Make sure some of what you share is dedicated to lifting local businesses up. Blog about what they’re doing for the community. Catch them in the act of giving back. Human interest stories can be a bright light in a sea of dismal news.
Run Shop Local Contests Throughout the Year
We share a lot of shop local contest information from various organizations on our social streams. There are a lot of fun challenges and pledges out there for shop local and small business. Run these in your community and not just at Christmas
Remember, shopping local and small deserves more than a day of our time and support. Look for ways throughout the year to celebrate these special business owners who give so much to our communities.