Posted by Kristin Oberlander - The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) today announced its participation in the second annual Small Business Saturday on November 26, 2011. Small Business Saturday is a day for dedicating a portion of holiday shopping to local, independently-owned small businesses.
The NASE recognizes the importance of small businesses and the self-employed, the jobs they create and the culture they instill in local communities. There are nearly 22 million self-employed businesses in the nation. Small businesses also have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years and employ just over half of all private sector employees, according to the Small Business Administration.
"With the number of micro-businesses in the United States, it is time that Main Street got the same attention as the big box stores during the holidays," commented NASE President and C.E.O. Kristie L. Arslan. "The NASE is proud to co-sponsor Small Business Saturday in 2011."
“It is critical that we get as many supporters on board as possible to generate demand for small, independently owned businesses this holiday season and beyond,” said Maryann Fitzmaurice, senior vice-president, American Express OPEN.
Joining the Annual Initiative
Social media will play a central role in helping raise awareness about the importance of supporting small business and recognizing Small Business Saturday. The Small Business Saturday Coalition will be driving consumers and business owners to facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday where they can participate in many ways, including:
- American Express is also giving $100 of free Facebook advertising to 10,000 business owners who sign up at facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday to help build online buzz and drive customers to their stores on Small Business Saturday. By simply entering a few pieces of information and clicking a button, these business owners can create a personalized, geo-targeted ad that will run on Facebook leading up to November 26.
- American Express is giving a $25 statement credit to 200,000 Cardmembers who register their Card and use it to shop on Small Business Saturday at any locally-owned, independent small business that accepts American Express.
- Small business owners can go to Facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday to download online promotional materials that will help them drive sales to their business on Small Business Saturday.
- Everyone can spread the word about the day and their favorite businesses by giving a shout-out to their favorite local shops and restaurants via Facebook and Twitter.