Recently in the Small Business Saturday Category

WIPP applauds unanimous Senate recognition of Small Business Saturday.   "The leadership by Senators Landrieu and Snowe that brought full and complete bipartisan support together is to be commended," said WIPP President Barbara Kasoff.  "A majority of privately-held small businesses are owned by women, and when shoppers patronize these local companies, they are helping their own communities in many ways.  Women business owners make major contributions to the local and national economy through the creation of jobs, giving back to their communities and serving as leaders in their local business communities."

The Small Business Saturday resolution cites a number of reasons for encouraging consumers to shop local.   Small businesses employ half of the employees in the private sector; create 60 to 80% of all new jobs; and 99% of U.S. consumers agree that it is important to support the small businesses in their community.

Joining Sens. Landrieu and Snowe as co-sponsors were members from the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee that includes Kelly Ayotte (R- NH), Scott Brown (R-MA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Michael Enzi (R-WY), Kay Hagan (D-NC), John Kerry (D- MA), Joe Lieberman (I-CT), Mark Pryor (D-AR), James Risch (R-ID) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

Click here to read the complete message from President Barack Obama.

When a small business thrives, a community thrives.  "From the mom-and-pop storefront shops that anchor Main Street to the high-tech startups that keep America on the cutting edge, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our Nation's promise."  President Barack Obama. 

The White House and the Administration have demonstrated extraordinary support for Small Business Saturday.   Karen Mills, SBA Administrator, and SBA have been leading the charge, and we expect several other Cabinet secretaries to participate in events throughout the country on Saturday.  Some highlights:  Valerie Jarrett is going to participate in the Chicago event and Karen Mills in Boston as well as many US and State elected officials and Mayors throughout the country.  

The White House also  just posted a blog post from Karen Mills on the White House web site with more details, so check out the link by clicking here: White House Blog Article on Small Business Saturday 

And don't forget to check out Small Business Saturday on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #SmallBizSat

Things are really popping - tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we are less than 3 days from Small Business Saturday.   The country has come alive with preparations for Thanksgiving; families and friends are gathering and everywhere you turn there is an air of joy and festivity.  

WIPP members across the country have rallied in support of our small businesses for their strength is our strength.  We know that wherever there are thriving small businesses, you will find a thriving community.  

The Board of Directors of WIPP, and its team in Washington DC and San Francisco wish to thank you for all of your efforts year long.    Your advocacy and passion is demonstrated every single day; your commitment to collaboration and support of one another is outstanding.    You are a role model for our country - for it is only when we rally together that we will experience positive change.   

With best wishes for health and happiness,

Barbara

PS - I thought you might like to see this blog posted on the White House Blog today:

Support Your Local Businesses on "Small Business Saturday"
Posted by Karen Mills at
 
You've heard of Black Friday. And Cyber Monday. But did you know that this Saturday is Small Business Saturday? We're encouraging everyone to visit a small business to do some holiday shopping this Saturday.
As President Obama said in a message out to all Small Business Saturday supporters:

From the mom-and-pop storefront shops that anchor Main Street to the high-tech startups that keep America on the cutting edge, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our Nation's promise.  These businesses create two out of every three new jobs in America, helping spur economic development in communities across our country and giving millions of families and individuals the opportunity to achieve the American dream.  Through events such as Small Business Saturday, we keep our local economies strong and help maintain an American economy that can compete and win in the 21st century.

When you walk down Main Street in any city in America, you can often find great restaurants, service providers, and handcrafted, Made-in-America products from local shops. It's wonderful to simply go in and visit with local business owners and hear what's happening in the community.
 
There are many people in my life that appreciate a unique gift from a local business, like the blueberry jam I pick up at the Farmers' Market in my hometown of Brunswick, Maine. This Saturday, I'm planning to go back to that market early in the morning, and then I will travel to Roslindale, Massachusetts, to celebrate Small Business Saturday with Boston Mayor Tom Menino. Many other top-level officials throughout the Administration are also "shopping small" this Saturday.
Everyone knows that your dollar goes a long way at when you buy a product or service from a small business. That money goes right back into the local economy. And that's important, because half of working Americans either own or work for a small business, and small businesses create two out of every three new jobs.
 
It's great to find the perfect gift from a small business. Often, when you carry it to the counter, you can see the business owner's eyes light up. They tell a story about how that gift was made. Or where it came from.  Or how it's a one-of-a-kind.  And the gift immediately becomes even more meaningful and special. Moments like that are what makes the holidays magical.
 
In addition to our support for Small Business Saturday, the SBA is working hard to make sure even more small businesses can keep growing. For example, we had an all-time record for SBA loans this year, with over $30 billion in lending support that helped about 60,000 small businesses buy a new building, get more equipment, or hire more workers. And, right now, the President is calling on Congress to cut in half the payroll taxes for small businesses as part of the American Jobs Act.
 
Let's all do our part to support America's small businesses as they continue to strengthen our economy and create jobs. Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Small Business Saturday, and Happy Holidays.
 

By: Elise Mitchell
Chair, Small Business Saturday Coalition
President & CEO, Mitchell Communications Group


Small Business Saturday: Free tools available to ensure success

As part of the second annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26, the specialized products and incredible customer service of thousands of amazing local businesses across the country will be on display for consumers as the holiday shopping season begins. Be sure to take advantage of the many free and easy tools available to ensure your business fully realizes the benefits of SBS.

Advertising and PR:

For starters, SBS will be supported by a national advertising and public relations campaign that highlights the importance of shopping small businesses. Participating businesses will be able to download printable point-of-purchase and storefront marketing materials to let consumers know you are participating in SBS.

Free Facebook advertising:

American Express will offer $100 in free Facebook advertising to 10,000 small businesses to help promote SBS and special offers by participating merchants.  Facebook plays a significant role in driving customers to SBS.

Cardholder shopping credit:

American Express will also offer a $25 statement credit to 200,000 cardholders who register and spend $25 or more at participating SBS merchants in the U.S. that accept American Express. This is a discount small business owners can pass along to their customers.

New Social Media Tools:

The recently launched Go Social tool will allow American Express merchants to create coupon-less deals for card holders using digital and mobile platforms such as Facebook and Foursquare. This tool is a way to reward customers and keep them coming back well beyond SBS.

Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday, to be held Nov. 26, is a day designated for consumers across the U.S. to dedicate a portion of their holiday shopping dollars to local, independently owned, small businesses. Started by American Express in 2010, SBS is strategically positioned between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the heaviest shopping weekend of the year, and promotes the vital role local merchants play in communities across the country.


Facebook Posts:

The Small Business Saturday packet will give you everything you need to market your small business on Nov. 26. Learn more about the benefits of supporting "Small Business Saturday" here - (link to this SBS Materials blog post)

Make sure to look for this signage when you shop local on Nov. 26th. (link to this SBS Materials blog post)
Tweets:

The #SmallBizSat packet will give you everything you need for Nov. 26. (link to this SBS Materials blog post)

Make sure to look for this signage when you #shoplocal on Nov. 26th. (link to this SBS Materials blog post)

By: Elise Mitchell
Chair, Small Business Saturday Coalition
President & CEO, Mitchell Communications Group

First there was Black Friday. Then, Cyber Monday. Now, Small Business Saturday, designated for Nov. 26 as a day for consumers across the United States to dedicate a portion of their holiday shopping dollars to local, independently owned, small businesses.

Small businesses play a vital role in our communities, complementing our many large enterprises with specialized products, a personal touch and incredible customer service. Through SBS, WIPP is championing local, independently owned businesses during the biggest shopping season of the year.

The purpose of this initiative is two-fold:

•         Drive consumers to think about how and where they spend their dollars.

•         Raise awareness for the value of shopping local - not just on SBS and with retailers, but all year and with any small business. 

SBS began last year thanks to the vision and sponsorship of American Express. As a leading grassroots organization, WIPP plays a key role in leading the SBS Coalition, a national network of nearly 200 organizations that reach more than 6 million business and community leaders nationwide. The coalition has two focuses:

•         Encourage small businesses to participate in SBS.

•         Invite consumers to shop local on Nov. 26.

 

Here's how you can help activate SBS in your own community:

First, spread the word.

•             Tell your congressional representatives about SBS and what it means to us. 

•             Talk about SBS with your local chambers and elected officials. 

•             Ask your mayor to proclaim Nov. 26 as SBS in your community. 

•             Use your circle of influence to talk up SBS with your friends and share details online, particularly through FB and Twitter.

 

Second, help us benefit small business.

•             Encourage local businesses in your community to participate in SBS. 

•             Direct business owners to facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday, where they can download a toolkit complete with printable signage, free Facebook advertising for 10,000 small businesses, social media tools, logos, and a press release to market their business for the big day and align with the national branding campaign American Express is rolling out.

 

Third, and most importantly, shop local!

When you shop local, your impact is big. Local businesses across the country are making a difference every day by creating jobs, bringing new products to market and serving the needs of consumers everywhere. 

Together, we can grow the SBS success story, this year and for years to come.

 

Facebook Posts

First there was Black Friday. Then, Cyber Monday. Now, Small Business Saturday, designated for Nov. 26. Learn more about how to "Small Business Saturday" in your community. [link to: Activate 'Small Business Saturday' in your community]

 Here is a step-by-step guide on how to support small businesses in your community. [link to: Activate 'Small Business Saturday' in your community]

Tweets

Learn more about #SmallBizSaturday here [link to: Activate 'Small Business Saturday' in your community].

Did you know 73% of consumers consciously shop at small businesses in their community because they do not want them to go away?  #SmallBizSaturday