Spend local on Small Business Saturday

There’s never been a time when small businesses in our community needed or deserved our attention more. Saturday, Nov. 28 is Small Business Saturday, a designated shopping day to support small businesses. Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday reminds us that, as we shop holiday deals and think about special surprises for our loved ones, we can also do something special for business owners in Oklahoma City.

Who among us doesn’t have a favorite locally owned business? Maybe it’s your favorite restaurant, pub, retailer, florist or hairdresser. Chances are, they’ve been negatively impacted by COVID-19. For those wondering how to help and interested in sustaining those locally owned businesses, shopping small this holiday season shows your support in a very tangible way.

Local businesses are owned by people who are part of the community – their families live, work and play here. Small business owners are personally invested in the city’s future and key quality-of-life issues and they tend to buy from other local vendors. They also provide the most jobs to residents. Supporting businesses on Small Business Saturday – or any day – gives more of your money back to the community.

We recently surveyed businesses that received a grant, loan or other COVID-19 relief from the Small Business Continuity Program or the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority. More than 94% reported that the support provided by the city of Oklahoma City was extremely important or very important for their business stability. The grants and loans allowed those small businesses to retain 288 jobs in Oklahoma City. And when asked to describe their biggest need right now, most reported simply “Customers. Please encourage residents to shop and eat local.”