The City of Austin Economic Development Department encourages everyone to invest in the Austin economy by spending local on Small Business Saturday, November 27. 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. "Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for Austinites to celebrate our local businesses," explains Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Acting Director for the Economic Development Department. "We encourage shoppers to visit Austin Business Districts throughout the year to make a big impact. By spending your dollars locally, you are investing back into your community." Small businesses are foundational to a healthy economy by creating jobs and enhancing our community. The impact of spending 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 and dining locally extend far beyond individual transactions. Recent results from the 2020 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey noted more than half (56%) of small businesses surveyed agree that this year's Small Business Saturday is more critical than ever for their business and 78% say holiday sales will impact their ability to keep their doors open in 2022. Austin Business Districts
Recognizing that small business is vital to the local economy, the Economic Development Department provides resources to help establish business districts that represent Austin's treasured character. Supported through the Souly Austin program and related district tools, these vibrant commercial districts offer a range of retail, restaurants, and services. Discover local restaurants, retail shops, and makers to support citywide. A few of Austin's culturally rich and diverse neighborhood business districts include: Positioned after Black Friday, Small Business Saturday serves as a critical launch into the holiday spending season for many local, small businesses still in rebound from the impacts of the pandemic. This national celebration was founded in 2010 by American Express and officially co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011. Learn more about Small Business Saturday and business promotional materials at ShopSmall.com. Share your favorites on social media using #ShopSmall and #SmallBizSat. Reminder for all Small Business Saturday shoppers: Stay safe by wearing a mask to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. Stay home and shop local online 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 follow us on @AustinEconDev on Facebook and @AustinEconDev on Twitter. | 
