The City of Austin Economic Development Department encourages everyone to invest in the Austin economy by spending local on Small Business Saturday, November 26. This annual movement helps small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Austin community thrive.  

 “Small Business Saturday continues to be an important holiday shopping event—part of a larger effort to support small businesses throughout the year,” explains Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director for the Economic Development Department. “We encourage Austinites to make a big impact by spending dollars locally.”

Small businesses are at the core of every community, helping create jobs and bolstering local economies across the U.S. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses generated almost 13 million new jobs over the last 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the economy. In addition, the 2021 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights survey revealed that online shopping, an important source of revenue for small businesses, was up slightly in 2021 (58%), compared to 56% in 2020 and 43% in 2019.

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 building 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:

• East Cesar Chavez District
• East 12th Street District
• North Lamar International District
• South Congress District
• Red River Cultural District

Positioned after Black Friday, Small Business Saturday serves as a critical launch into the holiday spending season for many local, small businesses. 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.

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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 and subscribe to our newsletter. Connect with us @AustinEconDev on Facebook, @AustinEconDev on Twitter, and @AustinEconDev on YouTube.