Get ready for Small Business Saturday: 7th December 2024

Small Business Saturday is just around the corner, on 7th December to be exact.

“But what’s that?”, we hear you presumably cry… Well, Small Business Saturday is a national campaign dedicated to celebrating and supporting small businesses across the UK, encouraging communities to “shop small” and showcasing the significant contribution that smaller businesses make to the economy.

But Small Business Saturday is more than just a one-day event. It’s an opportunity for businesses to raise awareness, build customer loyalty, and even attract new customers. Whether you’re an independent retailer, a café, a local service provider, or an eCommerce platform, there are lots of ways to benefit from participating in this annual celebration.

What is Small Business Saturday?

Launched in 2013, Small Business Saturday is a grassroots, non-commercial initiative that highlights the importance of small businesses to local communities and the economy. It’s part of a global movement to encourage people to shop locally and support independent businesses.

Although the focal point this year is on 7th December, the campaign runs year-round, offering support, resources, and free promotional tools to help small businesses thrive. In 2023, an estimated £669 million was spent at small businesses on the day, demonstrating the power of community support.

Why does it matter?

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and events like Small Business Saturday remind the public of their importance. By encouraging local shopping, these businesses receive increased visibility and support, especially during a critical period in the run-up to Christmas. Taking part also gives businesses a chance to connect with like-minded organisations, share stories, and collaborate on promotional efforts.

For businesses, participating in Small Business Saturday offers:

• Increased footfall: Businesses often see a surge in customers on the day as shoppers look to support local traders.
• Enhanced visibility: By listing your business on the Small Business Finder, customers can find you more easily.
• Social media boost: Businesses that engage with the campaign by using the hashtag #SmallBizSatUK can benefit from increased exposure.
• Community engagement: It’s a great way to connect with the community, build loyalty, and remind customers of the unique products and services you offer.

How can you get involved?

Getting involved is simple, and there are multiple ways to make the most of Small Business Saturday.

• Promote your business Sign up on the Small Business Finder – a free tool that allows customers to find small businesses near them. This increases your chances of attracting new customers.
• Leverage social media: Engage with your audience by sharing your story, special offers, and what makes your business unique. Make sure to use the campaign hashtag #SmallBizSatUK to gain even more exposure.
• Host special events or offers: Create exclusive offers for the day, host an event, or collaborate with other local businesses to create a buzz around your products and services.
• Tell your story: Share the journey of your business. People love to support businesses they feel connected to, so use this as an opportunity to build personal relationships with your audience.

Let us help share your story

At Zen, we love supporting small businesses and their growth, and in celebration of Small Business Saturday, we want to give you an extra platform to shine.

We’re offering the chance for our business customers to be featured in their favourite Zen newsletter, not just on Small Business Saturday but all year round!

This is your opportunity to tell your story, showcase your unique offerings, and let your fellow newsletter readers know how you’re making a difference.

If you’d like to be included, follow the link below to share your business information and details of any special offers or events you’d like to showcase. We can help your business reach an even wider audience!

Share your story here.