Saturdays are a cherished day. Many run errands such as car washes, haircuts, or pick up supplies for a DIY smart home electronics project at a local hardware or electronics store. Saturdays are grocery stocking at family-owned food markets, self-care fitness time, or making memories with family and friends at corner coffee shops, neighborhood restaurants, or bowling alleys. And more often than not, they go to small independent retailers that provide these goods and services.

But Saturday, November 25 is an especially fine day. It’s the national 14th annual Small Business Saturday when American consumers come out in droves to shop small or dine small in mammoth support of small businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is proud to be a co-sponsor of Small Business Saturday, founded by American Express in 2010. 

Small businesses are the engines of our economy. They create two-thirds of net new jobs, and in Ohio 989,435 small businesses employ 2.2 million people.  The day also advances equity by leveling the field so that small businesses can capture a larger piece of the critical holiday season consumer spending by getting more customers through their doors.

“With the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America economic agenda, the United States has experienced a historic small business boom being led by women and people of color at a rate 65% faster than the pre-pandemic average. By shopping small, we help create and preserve jobs which expands opportunities for inclusive prosperity and generational wealth building in communities,” says SBA Great Lakes Regional Administrator Geri Aglipay.

Shopping small online is also encouraged, as e-commerce is a priority of SBA Administrator Guzman because it helps make small businesses competitive across global markets.

“Growing up in a small business, I learned firsthand from my mother the importance of entrepreneurs to our economy. Small Business Saturday is not just a day to shop; it’s a day to connect, appreciate, and celebrate the unique character of all communities throughout Ohio while helping to foster investments in neighborhood growth and economic development,” said Everett Woodel, SBA Columbus District Director.

Cheers to small businesses! We’re thrilled to promote Small Business Saturday. Go make big moves to shop and dine small at local Ohio independent businesses on November 25 and throughout the holiday season. For more information, please visit us at Sba.gov/district/Columbus.

About the U.S. SBA Great Lakes Regional Administrator Geri Sanchez Aglipay

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Regional Administrator Geri Sanchez Aglipay was appointed by President Biden to oversee the delivery of the SBA’s agency’s programs, field offices, and financial and outreach operations across Region V in the Great Lakes Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Aglipay is the principal representative of SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman.

About the U.S. SBA Columbus District Director Everett M. Woodel Jr.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Columbus District Director Everett Woodel

serves as the district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration's Central and Southern Ohio District Office, overseeing the delivery of the agency's financial assistance, technical assistance and government contracting activities to customers and stakeholders throughout Ohio.