When is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday 2026 is on Saturday
Saturday, November 28, 2026
The Saturday after Thanksgiving. That's in 55 days.
until Small Business Saturday begins, in your time zone
Small Business Saturday encourages people to do some of their holiday shopping at independent local businesses, such as neighborhood shops, restaurants and service providers. It falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the big-retailer and online shopping days.
About Small Business Saturday
The Thanksgiving weekend opens the US holiday shopping season, and much of the attention goes to large chains on Black Friday and online sellers on Cyber Monday. Small Business Saturday sets aside the day in between for independently owned businesses, from bookstores and hardware stores to cafes, salons and makers' markets. Local business groups, chambers of commerce and city governments often promote it with shop maps, events and window signs.
American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010 to bring more holiday shoppers to small merchants. The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially cosponsored it since 2011 and promotes it every year with free marketing materials for business owners and a call for shoppers to buy locally. The SBA notes that its participation is not an endorsement of any cosponsor's products or services.
It is not a public holiday, but it has become a fixed part of the Thanksgiving weekend calendar. Because it follows Thanksgiving, which is the fourth Thursday in November, it always lands between November 24 and November 30. The SBA describes the day as an important part of small businesses' busiest shopping season.
Shopping small does not have to mean buying physical goods. Booking a local service, buying a gift card from a nearby restaurant or recommending a shop to friends also sends business to independent owners.
Sources: US Small Business Administration: Small Business Saturday. How we check dates.
How to mark Small Business Saturday
- Make a short list of gifts you need and look for them at independent shops in your area before going online.
- Eat at a locally owned restaurant or cafe while you are out.
- Buy gift cards from small businesses for people on your list, so the money goes to the owner now even if the gift is used later.
- Leave an honest review or tell friends about a small business you like.
- Check whether your town or chamber of commerce publishes a map of participating businesses or local events.
- If you own a small business, look at the SBA's free Small Business Saturday materials for signs and social media posts.
Small Business Saturday dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Saturday, November 29, 2025 |
| 2026 | Saturday, November 28, 2026 |
| 2027 | Saturday, November 27, 2027 |
| 2028 | Saturday, November 25, 2028 |
| 2029 | Saturday, November 24, 2029 |
| 2030 | Saturday, November 30, 2030 |
| 2031 | Saturday, November 29, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is Small Business Saturday 2026?
Small Business Saturday 2026 is on Saturday, November 28, 2026. It falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In 2027, it is on Saturday, November 27, 2027.
Who started Small Business Saturday?
American Express started it in 2010. The US Small Business Administration has been an official cosponsor since 2011.
What is the difference between Black Friday and Small Business Saturday?
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is dominated by sales at large retailers. Small Business Saturday, the next day, focuses on independent and locally owned businesses.
Is Small Business Saturday a public holiday?
No. Small Business Saturday is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.