WHAT IS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY?

Small Business Saturday is a shopping holiday held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 29) during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year.   It was first observed in 2010 -- conceived and promoted by American Express.


HOW DOES THIS FIT IN WITH BLACK FRIDAY AND CYBER MONDAY?

In contrast with these two other days, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize "brick and mortar" businesses that are SMALL and LOCAL.   The "big box" stores benefit greatly from Black Friday and the internet-only businesses benefit from Cyber Monday.


We believe it's time for small businesses to benefit from a massive national campaign with local participation and we're proud to bring this program to Coastal Alabama.


WHAT IS THE COASTAL ALABAMA BUSINESS CHAMBER'S ROLE IN THIS?
 
Our Chamber has been selected as one of the many local business associations nationwide to serve as partners in this program.  Here in Coastal Alabama, we've decided to give Small Business Saturday an EXTRA boost by tying it in with two existing local initiatives.

  • First, we're coordinating this with our important "Shop Local" initiative -- a goal of our Retail & Business Services Council, led by Chamber Vice Chairman John Chamberlain.

  • Second, we're going to leverage the media exposure and excitement of our Coastal Christmas initiative, led by Chamber Board Member Todd Edwards.

So, instead of a one-day shopping holiday, we in Coastal Alabama will be extending the momentum of Small Business Saturday for four additional Saturdays and run it all the way through Christmas!


WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Any locally-owned or independent retail business that is a Chamber member can sign up to partner with the Chamber for Small Business Saturday.


WHAT DOES MY BUSINESS GET?

A lot of exposure! Plus..

  • We will be providing promotional tips, assistance, and  we will promote ALL participating partner businesses aggressively on our website, social media, in the local media, and at other Chamber events.

  • We'll be providing promotional materials from American Express, including posters, signs, promotional items ranging from pens to canvas shopping bags, and more.


HOW WILL THE CHAMBER ENCOURAGE LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS SHOPPING?

  • We will get the word out through all of our communications channels, from radio and print media to social media.

  • We will leverage our Coastal Christmas promotions to encourage local shopping all season long.

  • We will hold weekly contests --- ANY shopper submitting a $5 (or more) receipt from ANY local small independent retail business will be eligible for entry into one of four weekly drawings where we will be giving out OVER $1,000 in American Express gift cards -- cards with no expiration and which may be used anywhere the American Express card is accepted.


DOES MY BUSINESS NEED TO ACCEPT AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS TO PARTICIPATE?

No.  However, some of the promotional materials we provide your business will carry the American Express logo and you should be aware of that up-front.  But there is NO requirement for your business AND there is no requirement for using the AMEX card for purchase to be eligible for our weekly drawings.


I'M NOT A RETAIL STORE.  CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE?

While the promotional activities and materials are designed specifically for retail stores,  you still may be able to help.   If you have customers, advertising, a Facebook page, or influence with your friends, you CAN help make this program a success by spreading the word, forwarding e-mails, re-tweeting posts and sharing Facebook feeds. We'll be glad to list your company as a Small Business Saturday "Booster" on our website and in other promotional materials.  


WHAT DOES IT COST?

There is no fee or charge to get started or to receive promotional materials.  However, our supply of some materials will be limited to the first 30 retail store businesses signing up.   Certainly, your business is free to offer specials, sales, giveaways.  Get creative. Take advantage of a program that has enormous national publicity and the backing of a strong local organization like the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber.


HOW DO I GET STARTED PARTNERING WITH THE CHAMBER ON THIS?

Sign up for and attend one of two informational meetings on Thursday, November 6.  Depending on demand, we may hold more meetings the following week.   However, we hope to announce our initial partner businesses at the First Friday Forum on November 7.  We are holding these sessions at morning and afternoon time slots to fit your busy schedule.


PICK YOUR MEETING, LEARN MORE, AND SIGN UP!

Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 8:30 am - Click to register.

or

Thursday, November 6, 2014 as 4:00 pm - Click to register.