NEW YORK—With just over a week to go until Thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season is in full swing—which means now is the best time to start getting ready for Black Friday and, of course, Small Business Saturday. Scheduled for the Saturday after Thanksgiving—and the day after Black Friday—each year, American Express’ Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to shopping small and supporting local businesses. Last year, American Express reported that consumers spent an estimated $23.3 billion on Small Business Saturday—making it a holiday that no small business should miss out on.

To help small businesses, like independent ECPs, prepare for Small Business Saturday, American Express puts together a variety of free resources and ideas that anyone can use. Retailers that accept American Express cards can start by adding themselves to the American Express Shop Small Map, an interactive map that allows customers to find small businesses in their neighborhoods.

There’s also the Shop Small Studio, where retailers can customize their own Small Business Saturday marketing materials, from social media posts to printable posters. The easy-to-use digital studio is free on the Small Business Saturday website.

 
 
In addition, American Express has designed a number of ready to use marketing materials which require no customization. The assets include social media posts and stories, digital banners and printable posters, and are all available for free download on the Small Business Saturday website.

Finally, American Express has also launched ByBlack, a platform dedicated to “supporting and bolstering Black-owned businesses,” American Express said. The platform includes funding opportunities and other resources and tools to help Black business owners grow their businesses, create partnerships and reach new customers. American Express also offers signs for everyone to show their support for diverse communities. ByBlack and all associated resources are available on the Small Business Saturday website.