Maine’s Small Business Saturday Is November 30

Small businesses make up our communities, but we often take them for granted.

Show them some love and recommit yourself to using your local small book store, farmer's market, cafe or mom and pop shop on Small Business Saturday.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving is a time to highlight small businesses and remember how important they are to our neighborhoods. For every dollar spent at a small business, about 67 cents of it remains local, feeding the economy.

Keep your eyes open for events in your community. Every dollar we spend is important.

If you own a small business, there are some things you can do to increase your foot traffic and to gain exposure.

Maine Small Business Developement Centers offers these suggestions:

• Team up with other local businesses by cross-promoting. Maybe offer coupons to each others businesses as incentive for a shopper to visit. If you can get them through one door you might be able get them through two.
• Use social media to let shoppers know that you are participating and let them know of any special offers or promotions.
• Use the hashtag #shopsmall
• Give your regulars lots of love and appreciation and tell them you will be participating. Perhapse a special "Thank You" deal for them to show your appreciation.
• Make your business a memorable one on Small Business Saturday, provide hot chocolate, snacks, drawings and prizes.
• Make sure your staff is at the top of their game and ready to wow anyone walking through your door with excellent customer service. First impressions and all that...

Small Business Saturday could really start the momentum you need to revitalize your investment by bringing fresh faces through your doors. As for you shoppers, treat your local business like it's Small Business Saturday every day of the year.