Small Business Saturday is recognized nationwide as the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and this year that means it’s on November 26^th. In 2011, a resolution was passed by the Senate to officially support the day, but people nationwide have been supporting small businesses for years! Every time you shop locally and shop small, you’re helping to make a difference in that community.

The good news is that it’s easy to shop small and shop locally all year long and you may already be doing it without thinking. If you’re looking to be more conscious about your shopping habits this year, here are three simple ways you can help support your local small businesses this Holiday season (and throughout the entire year):

Shop in Stores or Dine in Restaurants
Perhaps the most obvious way to support your local business owners is to visit your locally owned small businesses and keep them top of mind when shopping! Buy gift cards, dine in, and make it a point to buy gifts from your locally owned, small businesses. Even when shopping big box retailers, you can still visit your locally owned restaurants as a show of support.

Share Your Support on Social Media
Social media is a FREE way to support your local small business if the option to shop or dine is not accessible to you. Take five minutes to share a local business’ post, tag a friend in a post, or check-in at the local business on social media! When you do, you’re introducing your favorite shop(s) or restaurant(s) to a potential new audience.

Tell Your Friends/Family

Bring up where you’re shopping this holiday season in conversation. Spread the word and encourage people you know to shop and support local. Word of mouth advertising is still one of the best ways to get the word out about your favorite places to shop and dine!

How will you support your favorite local businesses this year?

Click here to find a small business near you.

Looking for tips to help budget this holiday season, read our blog here.