Small Business Saturday | November 30

In 2010, the United States was in the midst of a recession. The day after Thanksgiving, “Black Friday,” was always helpful to major retailers. But American Express wanted to find a way to include local and small businesses in the end-of-year windfall.

With that in mind, American Express created the first Small Business Saturday. It would take place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States, riding the wave of enthusiasm of Black Friday. And the idea works. Shopping local doesn’t only help the business where you are spending your money. According to businessdasher.com, small businesses generate $68 in local economic return for every $100 spent with them.

This year, Small Business Saturday falls on Saturday, November 30. However, some businesses and boroughs recognize the occasion on other dates. For instance, BKLYN Commons has their 8th Annual Open Desk: Small Business Pop-Up with more than fifty vendors at 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024. And in Queens, there will be a few markets and bazaars for the occasion.

The QED Holiday Craft Bazaar at 27-16 23rd Avenue will occur on Saturday, November 30. The Holiday Market at Immaculate Conception Catholic Academy, the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden Astoria Tiny Market, the NYCSCA Holiday Shopping Festival (at the SCA Atrium), and the Queens Craft Brigade at Rocco Moretto Post will all take place on Sunday, December 1. And Steinway Street’s First Holiday Market and the NYC Made Market at 35-52 32nd Street will take place on both Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1.

American Express can also help you find participating businesses in your neighborhood. Just click here! Another great resource is New York City’s map from Small Business Month in May. Or stop in at a business in your neighborhood and shop!

Broadway Stages also wants to remind you that Tuesday, December 3, 2024, is GivingTuesday! Created in 2012 as a simple idea — a day encouraging people to do good — GivingTuesday was born and fostered at the 92nd Street Y (today known as 92NY). Click here for ways to get inspired and participate! As King Solomon said, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer.”

Broadway Stages takes pride in actively supporting our local businesses. When practical, we work primarily with local businesses and in-house teams for our production needs, and our clients do the same. We know that staying local improves our communities, which makes everyone stronger. So, please do your part and shop and give locally this season. It really makes a difference.