Quick Summary Bullets

• Learn what Small Business Saturday 2025 is and how to join in

• Explore creative ideas for local business promotions

• See how Traverse Bay Farms celebrates community and customer loyalty

Published: November 2025

Small Business Saturday 2025: Everything You Need to Know to Celebrate

Introduction

Curious about how to make this holiday season more meaningful for your community?
Small Business Saturday 2025 is your chance to do just that. This national event celebrates local entrepreneurship and invites shoppers to support neighborhood stores — from boutiques to gourmet food companies like Traverse Bay Farms, located in Northern Michigan.

While Black Friday and Cyber Monday draw attention to big-box deals, Small Business Saturday brings the focus back to what truly matters: community connection, customer experience, and keeping dollars local.

Related reading: Small Business Saturday 2025: Everything You Need To Know To Celebrate
External source: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Small Business Saturday Overview

The Traverse Bay Farms Difference

Traverse Bay Farms has won 38+ national food awards for its gourmet superfruit products and continues to support community initiatives across Michigan. From Bellaire to Elk Rapids, each retail store focuses on creating memorable shopping experiences and celebrating local craftsmanship.

What Is Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday is a nationwide shopping event held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — this year, November 29, 2025. It was launched by American Express in 2010 to help independent retailers thrive during the holiday season and is now co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Today, it’s more than just a shopping day — it’s a movement encouraging people to Shop Small® and build stronger, more resilient communities.

How Small Businesses Can Participate

Any small business can join — retail shops, service providers, e-commerce stores, or restaurants. There’s no sign-up required.

Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Offer limited-time deals. Provide a discount or free gift with purchase.

• Host events. Try tastings, workshops, or live demos.

• Collaborate with neighbors. Team up with nearby businesses for cross-promotions.

• Provide samples or snacks. A simple treat encourages shoppers to linger.

• Promote online. Use #ShopSmall and #SmallBusinessSaturday to reach more people.

How Customers Can Show Support

Small Business Saturday isn’t only for owners — it thrives on community participation.

Ways to support include:

• Shopping or dining at local stores

• Sharing favorite small businesses on social media

• Leaving positive online reviews

• Buying gift cards for family and friends

Every dollar spent locally creates a ripple effect in your community — supporting jobs, schools, and local infrastructure.

Why Supporting Small Businesses Matters

Shopping small helps preserve what makes each town unique. Independent businesses often:

• Keep profits within the local economy

• Offer personal customer service

• Reduce environmental impact by sourcing locally

• Add character, creativity, and diversity to communities

At Traverse Bay Farms, we’ve seen how these values build lasting relationships. When people shop small, they’re not just buying a product — they’re investing in people.

Real-World Voices: How Small Businesses Celebrate

Andy LaPointe, Founder of Traverse Bay Farms, shares:

“We make shopping fun with our Bowl of Discounts promotion.
Each store has two bowls — one for an instant discount and another for a future one. It’s simple, fun, and keeps customers coming back both in-store and online.”

Other business leaders echo this approach — emphasizing storytelling, transparency, and community service as powerful engagement tools. Whether it’s repairing local shelters, opening workshops to the public, or highlighting artisans’ stories, each act strengthens community bonds far beyond a single day.

Quick Stats

• Small Business Saturday started in 2010 by American Express

• Co-sponsored by the SBA since 2011

• Generates billions in local spending nationwide

• Increases community retention and brand loyalty

Quick ReCap

Small Business Saturday 2025 is more than a shopping event — it’s a nationwide movement rooted in connection, creativity, and community. Businesses like Traverse Bay Farms show how thoughtful promotions and authentic relationships can transform one day of sales into year-round loyalty.

Continue Your Journey

Want to see how Traverse Bay Farms celebrates Small Business Saturday? Visit our Bellaire or Elk Rapids retail stores or explore our award-winning cherry and superfruit products online at TraverseBayFarms.com.

Together, let’s make November 29 a day to remember for local businesses everywhere.

FAQs

Q: When is Small Business Saturday in 2025?
A: It falls on Saturday, November 29, 2025, the day after Black Friday.

Q: Who started Small Business Saturday?
A: It began in 2010, launched by American Express and now supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Q: How can I support small businesses?
A: Shop local, share posts on social media, leave reviews, or purchase gift cards.

Q: How does Traverse Bay Farms participate?
A: Through in-store events, community donations, and creative promotions like the Bowl of Discounts.

Q: Why is shopping small important?
A: It strengthens local economies, supports families, and preserves the character of your community.

Resources

[1] U.S. Small Business Administration – Shop Small Program Overview: https://www.sba.gov
[2] American Express – Small Business Saturday Toolkit: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/
[3] Traverse Bay Farms – Bellaire & Elk Rapids Retail Stores: https://www.traversebayfarms.com/pages/locations