November 25, 2023, is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool, and pivot from the lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters. Please join The Chamber SWLA/ Alliance and organizations across the country in supporting your local small businesses by shopping at a small business.

Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by the Small Business Administration since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season. 

Historically, reported projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $17.9 billion according to the 2022 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express. 

The highly successful team of SBA, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), and American Express will be kicking off the 2023 holiday season by encouraging consumers to support our nation’s nearly 32 million independent businesses this Small Business Saturday and all holiday season long.

Wherever you live in Southwest Louisiana, explore local businesses in your community. There are hundreds to choose from in DeRidder, South Beauregard, DeQuincy, Moss Bluff, Sulphur, Westlake, Vinton, Iowa, Lake Charles, Cameron Parish, Jennings, Lake Arthur, Welsh, Kinder, Oakdale, and the other communities. These local businesses employ your friends and neighbors and they contribute to and support local organizations and events such as sports teams, church events, schools, and non-profits. You will enjoy checking out a few local area businesses Saturday. Consider gift cards to your favorite restaurant or to a fitness center or other unique gifts.

Small businesses often are overlooked by customers who are enticed by larger companies, and this can adversely affect the local economy in more negative ways than might appear on the surface level. After all, why should we not celebrate the spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurship, as exemplified by small business owners who take the risk of following their dreams?

It’s a common thing for politicians to talk about supporting Main Street over big business, and how small business owners often face greater hardships than larger companies. Since Small Business Saturday is held on the Saturday following Thanksgiving Day, it falls right during the peak shopping periods of the year. 

The Chamber SWLA has a Small Business Saturday Directory available online and through our newsletter of locally owned, small businesses for you to consider when making your shopping plans. It is comprised of small businesses that you might not initially consider like tire shops, bakeries, and restaurants where you can recharge in the middle of your shopping date or go to as an endcap of a day of supporting your community. See you Saturday as we make a big impact on small businesses near you.

George Swift

President/CEO

The SWLA Economic Development Alliance & Chamber SWLA