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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities
Shopping at small businesses in Laramie, Wyoming. Photo by Laramie Main Street Alliance.

Today is Small Business Saturday, a day to recognize the importance of locally owned businesses by shopping small in your community. Whether you’re getting a jump start on holiday shopping, showing support for friends and neighbors, or treating yourself to something special, we hope you spend some time exploring the small businesses around you today and throughout the winter holiday season. Visit your favorite indie retailer in-person or online, check out maker markets, and order a meal (or two) from a local eatery.

As part of our celebrations today, we reached out to small business owners across the Main Street network to find out what the day means to them. From investing in the local economy to preserving cultural heritage, their words show the impact that your dollars can have in your community.

What does Small Business Saturday mean to you?

Katie Booker, Little Vintage Venue (Suncook, N.H.)
To me, Small Business Saturday means gathering the community. As small business owners, we care about our customers, we learn about their family and relatives. We know when they’re having a bad day, and they just need somebody to talk to. We also know what they’re looking for or what they like. Nothing like having your customers that become your friends, and you can’t get that in any of those big chain stores.

Small Business Saturday in Quincy, Illinois.

Amy Primeau, Primeau’s Purls (Middletown, Ohio)
Small Business Saturday takes the focus off of the mega corporations and puts it on the small businesses that contribute to the communities. It is also a chance for people to discover new small businesses—they might even find their new favorite store or restaurant!

Shifteh Hensley, Denham Patty (Denham, La.)
It means that collectively we understand the need to support and celebrate small businesses to help our local communities thrive.

Lisa and Jesse Paynter, It’s The Little Things Country Store (Ortonville, Mich.)
It’s our busiest day of the year, which shows us how much the community wants and needs us here. It also enforces the reason we started our business in this village. To be a part of and do all we can to support, encourage, and lift up all those that visit our store.

Jennifer Solt, Threads and Décor (Worthington, Minn.)
It’s a global movement to bring attention to our everyday people and shops that provide community and products to [locals and visitors] in our towns. It’s a heartwarming day of support from near and far customers.

Kiera Akins, Sunset Sparkles (Marietta, Okla.)
Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for me to connect with people from the community. It also allows me to demonstrate my creativity [and is] an opportunity [for others] to appreciate and contribute to the local economy by shopping or supporting small businesses in our area. It's a chance to make a positive impact on our local economy and encourage a sense of community.

Why is community support important for small businesses?

Kim Brehm, Main Street Emporium (Dallas, Ore.)
Without community support, my brick-and-mortar business would not be sustainable. It is located right in the heart of our downtown area and is in a historic building that we are working hard to restore with proceeds from our business. So, not only does their support maintain the vitality of our business but [it also] helps to maintain and restore a beautiful downtown building.

Lisa Deen, Tincy’s Corner (Ville Platte, La.)
Community support increases the visibility of small businesses in our town. By making a commitment to shop locally or support small businesses, you bring money back into your community.

Rachael M. Rollson, Stone Broke Bread & Books (Gardiner, Maine)
As a part of the community, we want our neighbors to feel connected and that their downtowns reflect their interests. Community support lets us know we are on the right track.

Alexander Iglesias, Samsara Home (Parkville, Mo.)
Small businesses rely on local customers for support, which helps to generate revenue and keep us afloat. When people shop at small businesses, they are investing in our local community.

Small Business Saturday in Florence, South Carolina

Joann Smalls, Greener Montclair (Montclair, N.J.)
When a community rallies behind small businesses, it not only boosts sales but also creates a supportive network. This backing helps businesses weather challenges, fosters a strong customer base, and contributes to the overall economic health of the community.

Erin Evenhus, Morning Light Coffee Roasters (Great Falls, Mont.)
Community support is important as a small business owner because it is so easy to feel discouraged and wonder if what you are doing is working. When you see members of your community enter your business and enjoy coming to your place, it gives you the motivation to keep serving them.

Why are small businesses important for communities?

Amanda Day Rose, Wister’s Florals, Gifts, & Clothing Boutique (South Boston, Va.)
When money is spent locally, more of it stays in the community where it’s needed. Small businesses contribute to the local economy by hiring local residents, paying taxes, participating in community events, using local services to support their business, and being an active member of the community. They are vital to the community’s ecosystem!

Landee Bryant, Bricolage Art Collective (Paducah, Ky.)
We are part of the cultural fabric that makes our community unique and worth exploring. We are the heartbeat and the keepers of community history. We are also a place for people to visit when they need to be inspired or need a safe space to express themselves.

Morgan Magnia, Keto Carb Crave (Oak Harbor, Wash.)
Small businesses play a vital role in the health and prosperity of local communities. They serve as the backbone of our economy and contribute significantly to job creation, innovation, and economic growth. By supporting small businesses, we are investing in the well-being of our communities and fostering a strong sense of local pride.

Ribbon cutting in Danville, Virginia

Juan Sierra, Lobos Coffee Roasters (Orlando, Fla.)
Community-owned small businesses help build culture and community by giving them an experience, memory, or a tradition that becomes a part of their lives. They also provide an identity for locals to feel proud about.

Carolyn Dooley, Let'Er Wrap and Rob's Speedy Delivery, Inc (La Grande, Ore.)
We build relationships and truly want to see all those around us be successful. We cheer each other on during the prosperous and challenging times. Small business owners are often the first to volunteer when things need to be completed in the community. Small business owners take a lot of pride in the community they serve.

Joscie Kilburn, Imagine It! (London, Ky.) 
Small businesses are often the ones that support local teams. They are the first ones to come together when natural disasters hit. Small businesses are often the ones who know all the local families and support them when tragedy hits. Small businesses are the backbone of communities.