Support Your Community on Small Business Saturday

The 2nd annual Small Business Saturday will take place across the United States, including right here in Belmont Shore. The day is dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year.

With holiday shopping focusing on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, American Express’s OPEN, the company’s small business unit, wanted to dedicate a day to local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. 

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there were nearly 28 million small businesses in the United States last year. Over the past two decades, small businesses have created 65 percent of net new jobs. For every $100 spent in a locally-owned, independent store, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures, according to small business advocacy group The 3/50 Project.

“Small business is the engine of job creation in the US economy,” said Kenneth I. Chenault, chairman and chief executive officer, American Express in a press release. “It is also among the sectors hardest hit by the recession.  By spreading the word about Small Business Saturday, we can help raise awareness about the critical role small businesses play in cities and towns across the country at a time when they need support the most.” 

American Express is rewarding customers who shop small on Saturday by giving $25.00 back when you spend $25.00 in a participating “Small Business.” Basically, you shop small, and if you spend at least $25.00 with your American Express card, you will receive a credit on your American Express account for $25.00. 

If you are a small business owner in Belmont Shore or Long Beach, there is still time to make your store a participating “Small Business” before Saturday’s big day.

American Express is giving $100 in free advertising on Facebook, and has put all promotional materials on Facebook for small businesses owners to download and hang in the stores. 

Also, for every person who ‘likes’ Small Business Saturday on Facebook, American Express is donating $1 up to $500,000 to Girls Inc. to empower young women to be the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. 

Current Stores Participating in Long Beach-area from 562 Life:

#1 - 4th Street Retro Row

• Discount pricing and special promotions offered at participating shops
• Free Gift Wrapping 4pm-8pm at The Center Long Beach [2017 E. 4th Street], offered by the kids from The Center’s MYTE (Mentoring Youth Through Empowerment) program.
• 10% Off at Lola's Mexican Cuisine when you use your American Express
• 10% off with your CityLife Card at Lil Devils, Lola's, and Portfolio Cafe
• Of course just the selection of locally owned shops on 4th is reason enough to shop locally too... Vintage goods, the coolest kids shop in all of SoCal, awesome boutiques and much more!

#2 - E. Broadway Shops

• Yellow Devil Gear, motorcycle consignment gear, is offering hot cider and home baked goods. If you're a rider, THIS is the place to get your gear! - 10% off with your CityLife Card

#3 - Bixby Knolls

• It's A Grind is offering a free 1/2 pound of either Hawaiian Hazelnut or Toasted Southern Pecan coffee, when you buy a 8-cup French Press. (Look I just got one of these French Presses AND that Toasted coffee, AND I'm telling you this is the gift to give the coffee addict in your life!)
• Get 10% off at Bella Cosa when you show your CityLife Access Card!
• There's some great deals on Bikes and bike gear at TheWorkshop

#4 - E. Village "Arts District"

• Visit the Long Beach Depot for Creative Reuse - 10% off with CityLife Card
• Visit some of the new shops like JJ Rowe, Shortin Bread, and Primal Flowers
• For the artists and music lovers of course you'll want to hit Lyons Art Supply and FingerPrints

#5 - You tell us!

What else?  What did we miss, or how will you be participating in Small Business Saturday?