This Saturday, November 27, 2010 has been named “Small Business Saturday”.
Strategically placed between Black Friday on November 26th and Cyber Monday on November 29th, Small Business Saturday is a push to get consumers to shop at and support local businesses. Research has shown that for every $100 spent at a locally-owned, independent business, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures.
Helping Main Street businesses has always been a goal of On Deck Capital, and as a company we have loaned over $90 million to more than 3,000 small businesses nationwide.
Based on research we did this week, it seems that about half of business owners are aware of Small Business Saturday, and about half of those believe it will help bring more people in the doors. But just about everyone we heard from supports it – here are some of their comments:
“It’s a no brainer.”
“Help out your neighbors – shop locally!”
“I operate a small Main St. business in a town with 6,000 people – it is imperative that people shop here first.”
“Shopping at local businesses helps everyone. I’m a contractor, and the local businesses are far more likely to use my services than the larger, national chains – so spending locally helps more than just the merchant.”
This Saturday (and throughout the year!), make sure to support the locally owned businesses in your community.
And last but not least, On Deck wishes you all very Happy Thanksgiving!