AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Economic Development Department encourages everyone to reinvest in the Austin economy by shopping local on Small Business Saturday, November 28. This annual highlight promotes Austin's small businesses by encouraging residents and visitors to spend their holiday shopping dollars with local boutiques, artisans, restaurants, and independent stores. Positioned after Black Friday, Small Business Saturday serves as a critical launch into the holiday shopping season for many small businesses. Founded in 2010 by American Express, and officially cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011, Small Business Saturday is a national celebration of small businesses. It is an opportunity to come together, while masked-up, to show support for friends and neighbors. Small businesses are foundational to a healthy economy. Although shopping local benefits communities year-round, the busiest holiday shopping weekend of the year is a great occasion to choose small businesses first. The impact of shopping locally produces a ripple effect that flows throughout Austin. According to the SBA, more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and small businesses create about two-thirds of new jobs in the U.S. each year. The positive benefits of shopping local extend far beyond individual transactions. Souly Austin Business Districts To increase awareness of locally-owned small businesses, the Economic Development Department works to promote culturally rich and diverse neighborhood business districts throughout Austin. Recognizing that small business is vital to the local economy, the Souly Austin program is a place-based tool for residents and visitors to explore the many locally-owned small businesses within the six established business districts that give Austin its treasured and unique character. Districts include: East Cesar Chavez District, East 12th Street District, North Lamar International District, South Congress District, and Red River Cultural District. Discover local restaurants, retail shops, and makers to patronize. Reminder for all Small Business Saturday shoppers: Stay safe by wearing a mask, maintaining at least 6 feet of space between you and others, or shopping online to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. Stay home if you are feeling any symptoms. ###
About the City of Austin Economic Development Department
The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more about helpful resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd or like us on Facebook @AustinEconDev and follow @Austin EconDev on Twitter. | 
