Small Business Saturday: Get Involved, Promote Your Store, See Where to Shop Local in KC

Small businesses make Kansas City the amazing place it is … so wouldn’t it be great if there were a special day to celebrate that?

Well, get your party hats ready and mark your calendars for Nov. 24 for Small Business Saturday. It’s time to get involved and spread the word (and get you some new customers).

[[CTA]]As you know, small businesses are a big deal. Last year, it’s estimated that over 108 million people in 7,000 communities across the U.S. celebrated the event, including Kansas City, which just shows you how big shopping small is across the country and right here in KC.

So let’s remind the KC community this holiday season that shopping small is a big deal.

For starters, check out #ShopLocalKC, peruse our interactive map for places to #shopsmall and add your business (or a local biz you love).

Want to do more? Here’s how you can get involved:

Are You a Community Leader? Spread the Word and Show Your Support

First things first: You can become a Coalition Member (last year there were more than 570) and support KC small businesses and help spread the word. You’ll get a toolkit that comes with emails, newsletters and social media sample posts that you can use to create a buzz. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for updates.

And then, there’s the best part: Celebrate! Share your pics and posts on social media with the hashtags #shopsmall and #shoplocalkc.

Sound like your cup of tea? Apply here.

So to recap, you’ll get:

• turnkey communications toolkit, including sample social media, email and newsletter messaging

• organizational recognition on the Shop Small website

• guidance on how to raise awareness and grow the Shop Small movement by recruiting nearby business associations in your community   

• one-on-one guidance on how your members can take advantage of all the benefits offered through www.ShopSmall.com

If that’s not your speed, there are other ways to get involved. Or you can call KCSourceLink at 816-235-6500, and we’ll craft your (always free) personal action plan to help your business reach the first or next stage.

Are You a Business Leader? Become a Neighborhood Champion

If you’re so inclined, you can sign up to be a Neighborhood Champion (we know you already are) and spread the word about Small Business Saturday. Over 7,200 signed up last year nationwide (and a number of those were in Kansas City) and that drew in more than 108 million shoppers across the country. This year, it’s time for your small business to join the movement.

So how do you get your business involved? You can organize an event (check out the flyers, event-planning checklists and ideas to get your started) that showcases your biz and gets the community involved. You can also reach out to eligible, local small businesses in KC and see if they’ll participate in your shindig. You can also hand out some Shop Small swag, like tote bags, posters, balloons, etc.

Interested? Apply here.

To recap, you’ll get:

• Small Business Saturday Event Kits, including free marketing resources such as branded signage, bags, pens and more (while supplies last) to host an event

• emails with event planning tips, guides and ideas from seasoned Neighborhood Champions

Are You a Small Business Owner? Promote Your Biz

Sign up and get custom promo materials you can use to spread the word about Small Business Saturday and encourage KC to shop small. We’re talking personal stuff (like website badges, social media posts, profile pics, physical posters, flyers and more) you can make in less than two minutes. Plus, they can tailor the materials for Spanish-speakers.

Looking for help with something else? KCSourceLink connects people who want to start or grow their nonprofit or small business with over 250 resources that help them reach the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey. And our services are always free. Tell us a bit about yourself here or give us a call at 816-235-6500, and we’ll craft your personal action plan to help you get where you want to go.