Small Business Saturday coincides with one of the busiest shopping days of the year. It highlights the successes of small business in the UK.
The boost for enterprise takes place on the first Saturday in December – and has been doing so since 2013.
It is a non-commercial campaign that focuses on one main goal. It is to encourage customers to make purchases at independent, local businesses instead of large high street chains.
The Small Business Saturday campaign runs as an independent crusade, but with no shortage of advocates.
In fact, one of its biggest supporters is the Federation of Small Businesses. The FSB shares similar messages and aims as the Small Business Saturday campaign.
The organisation helps to celebrate every small business and sector of the economy. The push for small business also includes MPs and local authorities. Together, there is a lot they can do to support the campaign.
UK Small Business Saturday Campaign
- Members can add their firm to the ‘Small Business Finder’ to help promote their enterprise.
- Small businesses can take part in the bus tour if it visits their area and attend talks or seminars that help start ups and small businesses.
- The gathering encourages organisations to write to their local member of parliament (MP). It is another way of increasing support for Small Business Saturday.
- It also provides an opportunity to show their locally, sourced products to customers and to passing trade.
- Small Business Saturday extends throughout social media using the hashtag #SmallBizSatUK. You can share posts and pictures of your events and involvement in the campaign.
Note: The non-commercial campaign supports all kinds of small businesses (5.7 million in Britain). You can also get involved as a ‘big business’ by lending your support to Small Business Saturday in the United Kingdom.
Extra Support for Small Business Owners
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy provides a list of what support is available for your small business. Check out the help you can get – from guidance and advice to business funding.
Access to Finance to Support Small Businesses
A small business aiming to start up, scale up, or to stay ahead might qualify for Start Up Loans of up to £25,000. The Finance Hub at the British Business Bank also offers finance options for smaller businesses.
Applying for Government Contracts
You can search for information about government and agency contracts using the Contracts Finder facility. Some of the tenders are worth more than £10,000
Applying for a Queen’s Award
Winning one of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise would give any small business a boost. There is no charge and almost any UK business can apply to try and win the global mark of quality for business and entrepreneurs.
Become More Competitive: Be the Business
Supercharge productivity and your earning power by making a few small, effective changes. Check whether Be the Business can help your small or medium sized company grow in the United Kingdom.
Calling the Business Support Helpline
Getting help from the Business Support Helpline is free. They offer advice to businesses of all sizes with support at all stages of the journey in business.
Large Businesses Payment Practices
There is a way to check when large businesses pay their suppliers. Accessing the information could show whether a potential trading partner is likely to pay on time.
Local Growth Hubs
Use a local Growth Hub to connect with the right business advice and support at local and at national level. UK-wide Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) join up national and local business support centres.
Resolving Late Payment Disputes
Contact the Small Business Commissioner for advice on late and unfair payment practices. The SBC can help you take action and find ways to resolve disputes.
Taking Advantage of UK Support for Innovation
Do you run a UK-based small business developing an innovative product, process, or service? If so, Innovate UK may be able to help you get a pioneering idea off the ground.
UK Export Finance
Do you run a small business interested in, or currently, selling overseas? Browse through great.gov.uk for expert guidance on exporting and finding an online marketplace to sell your products abroad.
ALSO IN THIS SECTION
Business and Finance News: The latest headlines about business regulations and financial laws.
Accountability Rules for Bankers: Check out the new accountability rules getting rolled out to banks.
Bitcoin Attracts New Regulations: UK Chancellor sets out declarations in new budget regulations.
Plans to Boost ILS: Is there a boost for the position of London in this fast-growing insurance sector?
Senior Managers and Certification Regime: New rules extend to the insurance sector across the UK.
Women Hold 33% of FTSE Board Roles: A report on the findings of the Hampton-Alexander Review.