Why This Small Business Saturday Hits Different: Lessons from a Year of Accelerating Dreams

There's something magical that happens when you witness a business owner realize their vision isn't just possible – it's happening. After powering two accelerators this year with incredible partners like Wells Fargo Foundation, The UPS Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, and others, I've had a front-row seat to transformation that goes far beyond revenue numbers.

The Ripple Effect Nobody Talks About

When we talk about supporting small businesses, the conversation often stops at "keeping money local." But y'all, it's so much deeper than that.

This year alone, we've worked with entrepreneurs in e-commerce, franchising, retail, and professional services who aren't just building businesses – they're rewriting the narrative of what's possible in their communities. These founders are creating jobs for neighbors who've been overlooked by traditional employers. They're showing their children that entrepreneurship isn't reserved for the privileged few. They're proving that great ideas, exceptional service, and quality products can come from anywhere and anyone.

The Real Math Behind "Shop Small"

Here's what I've learned from our accelerator graduates: When you spend $100 at a local small business, approximately $68 stays in your community. That same $100 at a national chain? Only about $43 circulates locally.

But those numbers don't capture the full story. That $68 becomes:

• A family's mortgage payment
• A teenager's first job opportunity
• An entrepreneur's ability to sponsor the local little league team
• A business owner's capacity to hire someone who's been struggling to find work
• The confidence to expand and create even more opportunities

Click here to see our featured list for shopping.

Innovation Isn't Just for Silicon Valley

One of the most exciting developments I'm witnessing is how small businesses are leading innovation in unexpected ways. Our accelerator participants aren't just keeping up with technology and market trends – they're setting them. They're finding creative solutions to community problems that larger corporations haven't even identified yet.

This Saturday, we're showcasing this innovation through our first annual Small Business Saturday Pitch Competition. National business leaders will witness entrepreneurs presenting growth strategies that could reshape entire industries. The $10,000 grant from The UPS Foundation isn't just funding – it's validation that these ideas matter on a national scale.

Competition Judges: Saudia Davis | Jasmine Simms | Dr. V Brooks Dunbar and Donnell Parker

Mental Health: The Entrepreneurial Conversation We Need to Have

Here's something we don't discuss enough: The weight of entrepreneurship on mental health. That's why we've invited Dr. Bianca Busch Bianca Busch, MD, a licensed psychiatrist, to join our December CEO Mastermind. The stress and overwhelm entrepreneurs face isn't a weakness – it's a reality that deserves resources and support.

Building a business while navigating systemic barriers, raising families, and trying to maintain personal well-being? That takes a special kind of resilience. And that resilience deserves to be acknowledged and supported. December 1st tickets are on sale.

What "Supporting Small Business" Really Means in 2025

As we approach Small Business Saturday, I'm reflecting on what support really looks like:

It's intentionality. Actively seeking out small businesses for your holiday shopping instead of defaulting to what's convenient.

It's amplification. Sharing that amazing local find with your network. Your recommendation carries more weight than any advertisement.

It's patience. Understanding that small businesses might not have same-day delivery or 24/7 customer service – because they're human-scaled operations run by your neighbors.

It's celebration. Recognizing that every small business that survives another year, especially in this economy, is a victory for economic equity.

The Future We're Building Together

What excites me most about this Small Business Saturday isn't just the immediate impact – it's the long-term transformation we're catalyzing. Every purchase from a small business is a vote for the kind of economy we want to see: one where opportunity isn't concentrated in the hands of a few, where innovation comes from all communities, and where success is measured not just in profits but in lives changed.

The entrepreneurs I work with aren't just running businesses. They're proving that with the right support, overlooked communities can become economic powerhouses. They're demonstrating that diversity in business ownership leads to innovation that serves everyone better.

Your Role in This Movement

This Saturday, you have power. Not just purchasing power, but the power to shape your community's economic future. When you choose small and local, you're not just shopping – you're investing in a vision of economic equity that benefits everyone.

Click here to see our featured list for shopping.

Share your small business finds. Celebrate the entrepreneurs in your network. Ask your favorite small business how you can support them beyond purchases – sometimes a review, a referral, or a social media share makes all the difference.

Did you know that The UPS Stores are franchises and some are operated by local owners who live right in your neighborhood? Save 20% on holiday packing at a participating UPS Store.

Together, we're not just supporting small businesses. We're building an economy that works for everyone.

What small business has made a difference in your life this year? I'd love to hear your stories in the comments. Let's flood this platform with small business love this week!

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