Saturday, November 29th
Since 2010, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday sits “Small Business Saturday”, a day dedicated to helping small businesses and their communities. Small Business Saturday will take place all day on November 29th in Downtown Bozeman.
It’s a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and the community by helping boost the local economy. Downtown Bozeman and over 100 small businesses are proud to take part in Small Business Saturday, and we encourage everyone to “Shop Small” in downtown Bozeman and across the country on November 30th.
According to the Small Business Administration, Montana is home to 123,419 small businesses, employing 65% of the private workforce. While many businesses continue to recover from challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, our local businesses are relying on shoppers more than ever to “Shop Small” and shop local.
Why Shop Small?
- In 2023, 59 million consumers shopped in stores on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and that 78% of Saturday shoppers shopped specifically for Small Business Saturday. (National Retail Federation)
- 33.2 million small businesses currently operate in the U.S. (Small Business Administration)
- Small businesses generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the economy. (SBA)
- In 2023, U.S. consumer spending on Small Business Saturday was about $17 billion. (SBA)
- Since the movement’s start (2010), estimated total spending at small businesses on that day is about $201 billion. (SBA)
- On average, independent/local small businesses recirculate about 48% of each dollar spent back into the local economy—versus under 14% for chain-stores. (Prospera Partners)
- According to a 2024 survey, 72% of consumers prefer buying from small businesses over larger enterprises; many cite uniqueness of products and supporting local economy. (SimpleTexting)
How to Shop Small?
- In addition to heading downtown on Saturday, November 30th, consider leaving a positive online review for your favorite downtown business!
- Shout it from the top of a mountain (or the M!). Word of mouth is an excellent way to alert friends and family about great places in downtown Bozeman – and while you’re at it, carpool and bring them with you on Saturday, November 30th.
- Order takeout directly from our fabulous downtown restaurants! Third party apps take a significant cut from a restaurant or café; instead, order directly from the website or over the phone.
- Visit your favorite retailer’s website to order online directly. Tons of downtown businesses have the option to order online and pick-up in person, saving you tons of time!
When we all shop small, it will be HUGE!
