Let’s Celebrate Small Local Businesses
The Best Ways to Help on Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday isn’t just another shopping day — it’s a nationwide celebration of local entrepreneurs, family-run shops, and the heart of every community. In places like St. George, Hurricane, Mesquite, Cedar City, and the small towns that make Southern Utah special, local businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods.
If you want to make a meaningful impact this Small Business Saturday, here are the best ways to support the people who keep our communities vibrant, creative, and growing.
1. Shop Local First
It sounds simple — and it is. Every dollar spent at a local business stays closer to home, supporting jobs, families, and community programs. Whether you’re buying holiday gifts, grabbing lunch, or picking up needed services, choose Main Street before big-box.
Bonus tip: Make a list of the local shops you want to visit and plan a route. Shopping local becomes a fun day, not just an errand.
2. Buy Gift Cards
Gift cards are a win-win. You give the perfect gift, and the business gets support immediately. Restaurants, salons, boutiques, gyms, toy shops, and local experiences all offer gift cards — and your purchase helps them finish the year strong.
3. Share on Social Media
This one costs nothing but makes a big difference. Post a photo of your purchase, tag the business, leave a review, or share a “Small Business Saturday” shout-out. That kind of visibility helps small shops reach new customers they’d never meet otherwise.
4. Leave a Review
Google. Facebook. Yelp. Anywhere you can leave good feedback helps boost a business’s reputation and search ranking. It’s one of the easiest, most impactful ways to support your favorite spots.
5. Attend Local Events
Many cities — including St. George, Cedar City, and Mesquite — host Small Business Saturday pop-ups, holiday markets, sidewalk sales, and live entertainment. Showing up supports vendors, creates energy, and reminds small business owners that the community has their back.
6. Shop Early in the Season
Local shops don’t always have the massive inventory of big retailers — and that’s part of their charm. Shopping early ensures you get unique gifts while helping businesses manage holiday rushes with less stress.
7. Support the Services, Too
Small Business Saturday isn’t just about shopping. It’s a great time to book appointments with local service providers — mechanics, photographers, fitness instructors, home maintenance pros, therapists, barbers, and more.
8. Buy From Local Makers
Southern Utah is full of talented creators — from jewelry makers to bakers, painters, woodworkers, potters, and craft food artisans. Support them by buying directly from markets, online storefronts, or in-shop displays.
9. Tip a Little Extra
If you’re dining out, getting your nails done, getting a haircut, or buying from a service-based business, consider adding a little extra. Those tips make a big difference to workers heading into the holidays.
10. Spread the Word
Tell your friends and family where you shopped and why you love those businesses. Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful tools for any small shop.
Why It Matters
When you support local businesses, you’re supporting your neighbors. You’re helping keep storefronts full, jobs local, and downtowns vibrant. You’re also investing in the character and creativity of your community — something big-box stores simply can’t replicate.
This Small Business Saturday, even one purchase, one review, one share, or one visit makes a difference.
Shop small. Shop local. Shop with heart.