Small Business Saturday is just around the corner -- and Aiken is ready to shop Aiken.
The Aiken Chamber has partnered once again with the U.S. Chamber, Facebook and American Express to promote the national movement encouraging everyone to shop for gifts, services and dining at local, independently owned merchants the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Falling between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is now a key piece of the major holiday shopping day trifecta.

In 2018, U.S. consumers reported spending a record high of an estimated $17.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday. Over the years, Small Business Saturday spending has now reached a reported estimate of $103 billion since the day it began in 2010.

"Local businesses create jobs, boost the economy and preserve our communities," said Aiken Chamber President J. David Jameson. "They are the heart of America and the foundation upon which this country was built. Small businesses are what make our community unique."

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Economic Council, over the last two decades, small and new businesses have been responsible for creating nearly two out of every three net new jobs.

Small business's local importance extends even further. According to Civic Economics, the impact that "shopping small" has on local communities is profound: for every $100 spent at a locally owned small business, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures.

"Let's rally behind small business in Aiken and Shop Small on November 30 and make a pledge to continue supporting local businesses every day," said Pastor Paul Bush, Aiken Chamber Board Chair. "This campaign is just one way to show our appreciation to our small business community and also helps deliver the one thing small businesses need most...more business."
For more information and to join this year's Small Business Saturday movement, visit www.shopsmall.com.