Shop Small, Shop Smart, and Save Big This Holiday Season

November 29, 2024

This holiday season, make your shopping experience more meaningful by choosing to support small businesses. Not only can you find one-of-a-kind gifts, but your purchases directly benefit local entrepreneurs and strengthen your community. From unique treasures to personal touches, shopping small is a simple way to make a big impact.

MSUFCU Black Business Expo

In mid-November, MSUFCU hosted its first-ever Black Business Expo, an event spotlighting local Black-owned businesses in our community. This expo was more than just a marketplace it was a celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and resilience. The event featured a diverse lineup of vendors from across Michigan offering unique items like handmade crafts, specialty goods, and professional services. Attendees had the opportunity to meet the faces behind the businesses, learn their stories, and experience their products firsthand. For many entrepreneurs, this expo provided a platform to grow their customer base, network with other business owners, and gain exposure to elevate their enterprises.

What is Small Business Saturday?

Events like the Black Business Expo remind us how vital small businesses are to the fabric of our communities. As we approach the holiday season, another opportunity to champion these local businesses is just around the corner. Small Business Saturday is an annual holiday encouraging customers to prioritize small businesses during the busy holiday season. This year Small Business Saturday takes place on November 30–the Saturday after Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Started by American Express in 2010, the tradition quickly gained traction and is now celebrated nationwide. Small businesses are the backbone of communities, offering unique personalized products. Shopping small not only boosts your local economy but also ensures that your holiday purchases make a meaningful impact.

How Can You Support Small Businesses

 There are multiple ways to support small businesses in your community this holiday season:

Shop in Store: Visit local bakeries, boutiques, and small shops to discover unique, sometimes even hand-made gifts that can’t be found at big retailers.

Shop Online: Many small businesses offer online shopping options, allowing you to support them from the comfort of your home.

Spread The Word: Share posts on social media, leave positive reviews, and recommend your favorite local businesses to your friends and family.

Every purchase you make at a small business contributes directly to the owner, their employees, and the community at large. If you're looking for new businesses to support, Michigan is home to an incredible array of local shops. Check directories from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce or community organizations to find shops in your area. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are also excellent resources for discovering local Businesses. Small businesses will frequently post promotions, events, and products making it easier than ever to discover them using hashtags like #ShopSmall.

How MSUFCU Supports Small Businesses

At MSUFCU, we understand the critical role small businesses play in driving innovation and strengthening local communities. That’s why we provide financial resources to the unique needs of small business owners, like our Small Business Checking Account. This account is specifically tailored for start-ups and at-home businesses with basic transaction needs, helping owners manage their finances effectively without high fees.

Features of the Small Business Checking Account:

  • No Minimum Balance Requirement: Enjoy flexibility without added costs.

  • 100 Complimentary Transactions Per Month: Ideal businesses with lower transaction volumes.

  • No Monthly Maintenance Fees: Save money and focus on growth.

  • Excess Transaction Fee of Only $0.25: A cost-effective solution for businesses with higher transaction needs.

If you’re considering starting a business, MSUFCU can help turn your dreams into reality. While launching a new business can feel daunting, the right financial tools and guidance make it achievable. MSUFCU offers resources, expert advice, and support to help you navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re creating a side hustle or launching a full-time venture, we’re here to help set you up for success.

To learn more about our small business products, visit https://www.msufcu.org/smallbusinesschecking/ or stop by a branch to discover how we can support you every step of the way. The holiday season is a great time to Remember, by shopping locally this holiday season you’ll contribute to the growth of the local economy and help to foster a greater sense of community.

Tags: Savings, Community, Tips and Tricks



< Newer Post
The Best Fintech Innovations We Loved in 2024, and They Can Help You Too!
Older Post >
Give the Gifts That Make a Difference: an MSUFCU Holiday Gift Guide to Businesses With Spartan Ties