Small Business Saturday gaining momentum nationally, in Iowa

Sitting between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday.

Now in its fourth year, the movement that encourages consumers to shop and support local businesses is gaining momentum. More than 360 businesses nationwide plan to participate, offering deals and specials.

Small Business Saturday is supported by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), American Express and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Last year, an estimated spent $5.5 billion was spent at local shops on Small Business Saturday, according to an American Express survey.

"These last few years have been difficult for the small business community - they still aren't hiring, revenue streams are low," said Cynthia Magnuson, an NFIB spokeswoman. "So this time of year, attracting attention (through Small Business Saturday) is good for them, but these businesses also are a big part of the community in a way that larger chain retailers are not."

Manguson pointed to an NFIB statistic that shows more than 90 percent of small business owners contribute to their communities through volunteering, in-kind contributions, or direct cash donations.

Additionally, according to the Small Business Administration, the 28 million small businesses create two out of every three net new private sector jobs.

"They pay the salary of your neighbor or your family member," Magnuson said. "It's a big deal to keep their doors open and help them end the year on a positive note."

Gae Sharp-Richardson, owner of The Chocolate Shop and Happenstance on 7th in Uptown Marion, which sells women's clothing, home decor and jewelry, said she's seen an uptick in customers on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year.

"We're seeing more customers come in with the intention of shopping local because it's a way to support local businesses, especially this time of year," Sharp-Richardson said, adding that her stores will be offering a peppermint cream with purchase.

Catherine Champion, owner of Catherine's Boutique in downtown Iowa City, said she has participated in Small Business Saturday from the beginning, adding that each year has brought more customers. "It's really grown over the years," Champion said.

"It's easy to get lost in the spin of big box businesses, but people truly value service and their community, and it's important to recognize those things publicly" through supporting local businesses.

This year Champion's shop, along with other downtown Iowa City businesses and the University of Iowa Community Credit Union, will be contributing in a different way. The stores will donate portions of sales from particular items shown in the Iowa City Downtown District's Holiday Giving Book to the United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties.

"You buy here, and we give here," Champion said.