Thanksgiving’s done, the turkeys are leftovers, and the pies just a sweet memory. Black Friday came and went. Some opted to dive headfirst into the chaos of malls and megastores; others steered clear and stayed cozy.
But what about Small Business Saturday (November 29)? It’s much more than just a day for shopping; it’s a chance for towns and cities to rally around their local entrepreneurs! For community financial institutions, it’s also an opportunity to reinforce your role as a trusted partner to small businesses and demonstrate your commitment to local economic growth.
Here are a few impactful (and inexpensive!) ways FIs can support small businesses during Small Business Saturday and build lasting relationships in the process.
1. Spotlight Your Small Business Customers
Use this season to highlight the businesses that make your community unique, including the ones you proudly serve.
- Social Media Spotlights: Share photos, videos, or short interviews with your business customers in the days leading up to Small Business Saturday. Let them tell their stories in their own words.
- Dedicated Web Page: Build a “Support Local” page on your website that lists featured businesses plus all their links, what they offer, and how the community can support them.
- In-Branch Exposure: Give small businesses visibility inside your branches. Set up displays with brochures, flyers, or even product samples if space allows.
The important thing is to make it personal. Use your platform to share why you believe in each business and, if relevant, highlight how long they’ve been part of your banking community. Showcasing local businesses reinforces your role as a trusted partner—and lets customers know you’re invested where it counts.
2. Run a Local Business Marketing Campaign
FIs can use their marketing channels to bring more attention to local businesses, both online and in person.
- Co-Branded Materials: Create and share promotional templates—like “Shop Small” social graphics or printable posters—for business clients to use.
- Community Hashtag Campaign: Launch a branded hashtag (e.g., #ShopSmallParkForest) and encourage customers to tag their favorite local businesses.
- Local Shopping Directory: Pull together a list or map of small businesses near each of your branches. Share it via print pieces, email campaigns, QR codes, or as a downloadable PDF.
By using your marketing expertise to boost visibility, you help small businesses reach more customers and show the community that their success matters to you.
3. Host or Sponsor a Community Event
Whether you pull it off in 2025 or wait until 2026, you can make Small Business Saturday a true community celebration by getting involved in existing local events. You could even start your own!
- Pop-Up Markets: Partner with local vendors to set up temporary shopping spaces outside your branches.
- Shop Small Passport Program: Encourage foot traffic by inviting shoppers to visit participating businesses, collect stamps, and enter to win raffle prizes.
- Collaborate with Local Organizations: Work with your local Chamber of Commerce or Main Street Association to support or co-sponsor their holiday initiatives.
These events draw attention to local businesses and give your institution a highly visible and positive role in building up community.
Be the Bridge
Small Business Saturday is about more than sales—it’s about relationships. As a community FI, you’re in a dynamic position to connect the dots between consumers and the small businesses that power your local economy.
It can be a large-scale initiative, but it doesn’t have to be. You could start today simply by choosing three small business clients to feature this month. Celebrate them on your social channels, tag their business pages, and let your community know that shopping local supports a wider mission.
