We’re getting ready for Small Business Saturday

Small businesses across the borough are preparing for Small Business Saturday.

The national, annual campaign celebrates the best things about small, independent businesses, whether that’s shops on the high street, market traders or small online retailers.  

This year it’s taking place on 2 December, kicking off the peak holiday shopping season. 

In the run-up to the big day, we are inviting businesses to get involved in the campaign, whether it’s by signing up to the official small business finder or downloading the marketing toolkit and planning your offer or promotion on social media. We are also encouraging shoppers to choose and spend local and support the brilliant small businesses in their communities.  

Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business and Skills, said: 

“Small Businesses Saturday is a timely reminder to shop local and support small businesses this festive season. Previous events have seen more than £1 billion pumped into the UK economy – that doesn’t just mean great offers for shoppers, it means job security and more employment opportunities for local people. Over 90% of Royal Greenwich’s business community is made up of small independent companies, supporting an inclusive local economy, which makes this a very important date for us to get behind. We encourage businesses to make the most of Small Business Saturday campaign, to connect with old and new customers who are looking to make purchases that make a real impact in their communities.”    

How can my business get involved?    

Whether you are a family business, local shop, online business, wholesaler, business service or small manufacturer, discover all the ways you can get involved in Small Business Saturday. 

• Download the free marketing pack  
   
  It’s full of Small Business Saturday assets to share on social media or print and display in your shop window to show your participation  
   

• Join the conversation on social media  
  
  In the lead up to Small Business Saturday, and on the day itself, we will be highlighting local small businesses across social media. Share your posts with us at @Royal_Greenwich using the hashtags #ShopLocalRBG and #SmallBizSatUK, and we'll share your post.    
  
  This is a great opportunity to publicise your brand and for you to make some extra revenue and gain new customers. 

• Register your business  
  
  Sign up to the Small Business Finder, a fantastic, free tool which allows shoppers to find local small businesses that are supporting the event just by typing in their postcode. This is a great way to promote your business to a brand new audience. 
  
  You can also sign up for a free 1-1 mentoring session with a Small Business Mentor.  

• Feature on Enjoy Local    
  
  This is a council-led initiative, which encourages residents and visitors to enjoy all the businesses that Royal Greenwich has to offer, developed in partnership with Visit Greenwich. Businesses can feature on the website for free by filling out this quick form.    

• Greenwich One Card 
  
  For extra promotion, remember you can share a special offer or discount on the Greenwich One Card. This council-led scheme promotes local business offers to everyone who lives, works or studies in Royal Greenwich.  
  
  Local businesses, shops, cafes and restaurants can offer discounts or benefits throughout the year or during specific events or seasons. List an offer  

• Get in touch  
  
  Are you hosting a special event or offer on the day? Or do you have any questions about the campaign? Email business@royalgreenwich.gov.uk to let us know as we would love to promote it. 
  
  Find out about more business support available.