Get Ready for Small Business Saturday: Free Tools & Tips for Local Businesses

Small Business Saturday is just around the corner, and the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce encourages local businesses to make the most of this nationwide celebration of small business. Taking place Saturday, November 28, 2026, the annual event provides an opportunity to connect with customers, showcase your products and services, and encourage residents to shop, dine, and do business locally.

The Chamber has supported Small Business Saturday since its inception in 2010 and is proud to once again serve as an American Express Neighborhood Champion, joining organizations across the country in promoting the Shop Small movement. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses, we’ve gathered practical tools and ideas to help you participate.

Take Advantage of Free Shop Small Resources

American Express offers promotional resources to help eligible businesses spread the word about Small Business Saturday. Businesses that accept American Express can explore the following tools:

• Order Shop Small Signage & Supplies: Explore available promotional supplies, including storefront signage and Shop Small merchandise, to help customers recognize your participation. Availability and eligibility requirements may apply.
• Download Marketing Materials: Access ready-to-use social media graphics, printable posters, and other digital assets to promote your business and Small Business Saturday.
• Check Your Listing on the Shop Small Map: Search for your business to see whether it appears on the map, which helps customers discover local businesses.
• Update Your American Express Merchant Profile: If your business isn’t listed or its information needs updating, sign in to review your details and opt in to appear on the Shop Small Map, subject to eligibility requirements.

These resources can help businesses participate without having to develop a marketing campaign from scratch.

Make Small Business Saturday Your Own

You don’t need an elaborate promotion to participate. A few thoughtful steps can help draw attention to your business and encourage customers to choose local.

Highlight what makes your business unique. Share your story, introduce your team, showcase popular products or services, and remind customers what sets your business apart.

Give customers a reason to visit. Consider a special offer, featured product, gift-with-purchase, or another promotion that makes sense for your business. Promotions should be manageable and financially worthwhile, so choose an approach that fits your operations.

Promote your participation early. Let customers know you’re participating through social media, email newsletters, storefront displays, and your website. Use #ShopSmall and encourage customers to share their experiences and recommend your business to others.

Connect with fellow local businesses. Consider recommending neighboring shops, restaurants, and service providers or collaborating on a promotion. Helping customers discover other local businesses strengthens the shopping experience and builds connections throughout the community.

Keep the momentum going. Small Business Saturday is one day, but the holiday shopping season offers many opportunities to build customer relationships. Continue sharing seasonal offerings, gift ideas, and ways customers can support your business throughout Small Business Season, November 1 through December 31.

Help Customers Find Your Business

In addition to American Express’s Shop Small resources, take a few minutes to review your business’s online presence. Confirm that your website, Google Business Profile, social media accounts, and online listings include accurate contact information, business hours, and links. As a Grow with Google partner, the Chamber also offers resources to help businesses strengthen their online presence.

Chamber members are also encouraged to review their listing in the Chamber’s searchable Member Directory. Members can update their business descriptions, add relevant keywords, list hours of operation, and provide other helpful details. A more complete listing makes it easier for residents and visitors to find your business through the Chamber directory and may also improve your visibility in search engine results, such as Google and Bing.

Let’s Champion Small Business Together

Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to celebrate the entrepreneurs, employers, and independently owned businesses that contribute so much to Mason County. Whether you offer a special promotion, share your business story, or simply invite customers to shop local, your participation helps build awareness and support for our business community.

As a longtime supporter of Small Business Saturday and an American Express Neighborhood Champion, the Chamber is proud to encourage residents to choose local, not only on November 28 but throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Visit masonchamber.com/shopsmall to learn more about the Chamber’s Shop Small efforts and join us in championing Mason County’s small businesses.