AMERICAN EXPRESS ADDS MORE PROGRAMS FOR SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

by Stephen Garner

smallbusinesssaturday2.jpg__598x399_q85_crop_upscaleAmerican Express has announced its plans to help small business owners get ready for Small Business Saturday, which takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving on November 26.

Small businesses can now take advantage of even more free resources, customizable materials, and educational content from American Express to help them prepare for the day and a successful holiday season during this critical shopping period.

In just a few clicks, small business owners can now create customizable print and digital marketing assets and download them for free to promote their businesses and Small Business Saturday events at ShopSmall.com.

ShopSmall.com will also include a multi-media content hub, called Small Business Saturday 101 or “SBS 101”, featuring how-to guides, and tips and insights from small business owners and influencers.

New this year, American Express will host three Small Business Saturday Boot Camps throughout October. Each Boot Camp focuses on how small business owners can excite their customers and market their business on Small Business Saturday to maximize their presence throughout the entire holiday shopping season. The Boot Camps will take place in Chicago, New York City and San Francisco throughout the month of October.

“Our ultimate goal is to help small businesses do more business – and for Small Business Saturday, that includes arming them with the tools to help make the day a success,” said Amy Marino, vice president and head of Small Business Saturday at American Express. “This year we are collaborating with small business experts, entrepreneurs and influencers to create bite-size digital content and easy-to-customize marketing materials to help small business owners attract more customers, drive sales and feel the love from shoppers on November 26.”

Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday supports the independently-owned businesses that help create jobs and help make local economies thrive. According to the 2015 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, more than 95 million consumers shopped at small businesses on Small Business Saturday, marking an eight percent increase from 2014.