This Saturday, November 29, Mark Your Calendars to Shop Small!

Small Business Saturday is coming up on Saturday, November 29 – and it’s the most important day of the year for small businesses here in New England, as well as across our great nation.

From mom-and-pop shops to startups, small businesses are the engines that drive our local economy, creating jobs and driving investment across our communities. New England is famous for its historic Main Streets, lively villages, and bustling downtowns, and Small Business Saturday provides the opportunity to shop small for unique and special gifts and to enjoy our wonderful cafes, bakeries, and restaurants.

This Administration is proud to support those who keep our Main Streets strong. So, this year, we ask you to join us by shopping small on Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and has been officially cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011. It is an important part of the busiest shopping season for small businesses.

Since 2010, the total reported U.S. spending at small businesses during the annual Small Business Saturday is an estimated $223 billion, and on Small Business Saturday in 2024, reported projected spending in the United States was around $22 billion.

In New England, we understand that small businesses contribute to the vitality of our communities, support local non-profits, employ much of our workforce, and drive our economic activity. About 80% of small business owners say that end-of-the-year spending by customers is critical for their bottom line. The Saturday after Thanksgiving and the entire holiday season is the perfect time to drop by our unique retail shops and dine at local eateries. If you prefer to shop online, you can purchase goods and services and meals from small businesses by going to their websites.

You can make a positive impact on your own local communities by shopping and dining small on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season. Not only will you find gifts, treats and services that are truly special, but you’ll know that you’ve made a positive contribution to your own community.

So, join us in kicking off the 2025 holiday season on Small Business Saturday. Shop small, dine small, and thank a local business owner for their contributions to our communities—it all starts with our small businesses!

by Peter A. Steele

Regional Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration

Region 1 – New England