Small Business Saturday, a vital tradition for local economies, is set to take place on November 30, 2024, as promoted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This year, however, small businesses in Kansas faced significant challenges due to a snowstorm that disrupted the busiest shopping day of the year, impacting sales and foot traffic [e8fd6c49].
Derek Sorrells, owner of Papa's General Store in Wichita, expressed concern over how the storm affected local businesses, emphasizing the reliance on walk-in customers during this critical shopping period. The economic impact of the pandemic has compounded these challenges, making it even more crucial for small businesses to receive community support [e8fd6c49].
Tom Sullivan, Vice President of Small Business Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of Small Business Saturday, noting that 60% of small retailers view this weekend as critical for their annual performance. Sullivan encourages consumers to shop local to strengthen communities, emphasizing that American Express donates $1 for every swipe made on Small Business Saturday, which resulted in 4.2 million swipes last year [fe485d3f].
Despite the setbacks from the snowstorm, the SBA is encouraging Americans to support local retailers and restaurants during the holiday season. Last year, consumers spent approximately $18 billion on Small Business Saturday, underscoring the day’s significance for local economies. With 33.3 million small businesses contributing significantly to the economy, and two out of three net new jobs created by these businesses, the call for community support remains strong [db58dcbc].
In addition to promoting Small Business Saturday, the SBA is conducting Small Business Walks in neighborhoods like West Chester, Pennsylvania, to engage with local business owners and foster community connections. This initiative aims to strengthen the relationship between consumers and small businesses, especially during the holiday season [db58d3f].
Overall, while the snowstorm in Kansas posed challenges this year, the resilience of small businesses and the ongoing support from the community are vital for their recovery and success. Small Business Saturday continues to be a crucial day for boosting local economies and supporting small businesses [e8fd6c49][db58dcbc][fe485d3f].