In 2010, small businesses were hurting from an economy in recession. In an effort to support local shops that make our communities strong, American Express launched Small Business Saturday^® on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses.

One year later, the Shop Small Movement gained momentum, as local officials across the nation took notice and promoted Small Business Saturday. In 2011, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the day. By 2012, officials in all 50 states participated. It even received a shout out from the President of the United States.

In 2013, more than 1,450 individuals and organizations signed up as Neighborhood Champions to rally their communities with events and activities on Small Business Saturday  and
that number continues to grow.

By 2017, there were more than 7,200 Neighborhood Champions across all 50 states. They're not alone. Beginning in 2011, business associations, nonprofit trade groups, municipalities and public officials started to unite, forming a Small Business Saturday Coalition, encouraging everyone to Shop Small. And nearly 100 corporations lend their official support to the movement.

In 2017, an estimated 108 million consumers reported shopping or dining at local independently-owned businesses on Small Business Saturday generating roughly $12 billion in reported spend.

As shopping small catches on in communities everywhere, Small Business Saturday goes from a cause to a day of community celebration. 90% of consumers surveyed said Small Business Saturday has had a positive impact on their community.

Because a visit to the family-owned framing shop or a stop at the neighborhood taco truck not only supports our local economies, it promotes more vibrant communities.

This year the Camas-Washougal Chamber signed up to be a “Neighborhood Champion” for the Camas-Washougal Community small businesses.

      Shop Small is on November 24th.  If you would like to participate we encourage you to take advantage of the free marketing tools that are available by following this link: Small Business Saturday.

      Stay tune for updates regarding this event!