Shopping small can mean getting creative, from unique gifts to gift cards. Pictured is entrepreneur Eric Robertson who created a series of games starting with Game That Song.
Kick Off Holiday Shopping Season with Small Business Saturday Nov. 27
California’s small businesses are open for shopping this holiday season, and the San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is heavily encouraging consumers across the region to get out and shop small for Small Business Saturday Nov. 27.
Local SBDC teams worked with thousands of businesses over the last nearly two years to exhaust each business’ COVID-19 disaster relief funding, access start-up or operating capital, as well as adjust to the new normal.
From Triage to Wellness
“We’re seeing our hardworking small business owners work day in and day out to refocus and seek a new kind of business health,” said Daniel Fitzgerald, regional director of the San Diego & Imperial SBDC. “Our SBDC advisors are now working with entrepreneurs to move past the bandage of relief funding toward operating in the smartest way possible. We’ve also collaborated to help start over 900 new businesses and create over 4,500 jobs.”
Fitzgerald explained how with $0.67 of every dollar spent at a small business staying local, it continues to be more important than ever to shop small businesses first and make sure our communities are fiscally fit.
Consumers Doing Their Part
The SBDC is also heartily inviting businesses to get social and help spread the word. Entrepreneurs and shoppers alike are encouraged to share their favorite small business photo opportunities and purchases with pictures on social media — and tag the regional SBDC on Facebook @SanDiegoandImperialSBDC, Instagram @sdsbdcnetwork, Twitter @SDSBDCNetwork or Linkedin @sandiego-sbdc-network to boost #ShopSmall awareness this season.
Small Business Point of View
Delhia Goddard, a local SBDC client and owner of the Surely Mine boutique reminded consumers why it’s key to shop small businesses this time of year; she shared how it’s important to maximize profits now — to make up for those more difficult times of the year sometimes — and clear out inventory as well as get those funds to start the new season with new inventory and new arrivals.
“This is the time to make it up for us so we can have a wonderful and good-profit year,” she added.
The SBDC exists to help small businesses. Entrepreneurs can reach out to get assigned a business advisor, who can work with owners one-on-one and at no cost. Visit SDIVSBDC.org to find the closest SBDC or call (619) 482-6391 if needed. The SBDC website also has other information available such as live online workshops and on-demand training; or get an advisor via SDIVSBDC.org/advising to have a partner in your business efforts so companies not only survive but also thrive.
