SBA Connecticut District Office gets ready for Small Business Saturday

The Small Business Administration”™s (SBA) Connecticut District Office is encouraging consumers to set aside Nov. 26 for the annual Small Business Saturday event designed to encourage independently owned local businesses.

The federal SBA has been a formal cosponsor of Small Business Saturday since 2011 ”“ the event was founded by American Express (NYSE:AXP) in 2010. The SBA Connecticut District Office will host a walking tour today of Madison with Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Joe Courtney to call attention to Saturday”™s event.

“Last year, Small Business Saturday was remarkable ”“ there was an estimated $23.3 billion in reported spending at independent retailers and restaurants on that day, and we think we’re going to be able to build on that,” said SBA New England Regional Administrator Mike Vlacich. “Studies show that there’s a nearly 60% higher likelihood that a shopper will continue to go to a small business if they participate in Small Business Saturday and the days leading up and out and after.”

“I think Connecticut main streets are unique because they really are the fabric of our community,” added Catherine Marx, SBA Connecticut District director. “They need our support ”“ and we want them to continue, then Shop Small Saturday is the perfect place to start.”