Is Small Business Saturday just a bunch of hype?

According to a study done by The National Federation of Independent Business and American Express, 88 million consumers were "Shopping Small" on November 29th, up 14.9 percent from just a year ago. U.S. consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday spent $14.3 billion with independent retailers and restaurants on the day, an increase of 2.1 percent from $14 billion in 2013. That's good. 

Unfortunately, the average person who shopped on Small Business Saturday spent $162, down 11.5 percent from the previous year. Though average spending was down, the study concluded "overall spending was boosted by strong awareness and the sheer volume of shoppers supporting their local businesses on the day."

And let's face it: awareness was strong. Politicians were everywhere showing their love of the small business voter. President Obama shopped for books at a local retailer. The U .S. Senate, 40 state governments and 450 cities passed resolutions and proclamations celebrating the merchant. Thousands of neighborhood communities championed the cause. Hundreds of larger companies were official supporters and the bigger ones, like American Express (the event's main sponsor), FedEx and Microsoft fashioned marketing campaigns directed at their small business customers.  Everyone seemingly jumped on the train...

Take a break from the holidays - and from shopping! - and spend an hour getting your business ready for next year.

Join senior USA TODAY small business columnist Steve Strauss and Web.com as they share some simple, easy, and affordable things you can do to make more money and grow your business next year. 

In this webinar, sponsored by Web.com, you'll learn new ways to improve your bottom line in the new year.

Click   HERE to register today!

• How the ACA defines a large business and a small business.
• About the employer mandate and how it will affect employers. 
• What is considered a Full Time Equivalent (FTE) employee.  
• How the Employer Shared Responsibility Provision (ESRP) will affect businesses.
• About the small business tax credit. 
• About the Small Business Health Insurance Options Program (SHOP). 
• How the employer mandate will affect employees.