The countdown is well and truly on for the launch of this years’ Small Business Saturday UK 2016 Campaign and on 1st June applications will be open for individuals to pitch their business. I just wanted to put together a blog to help individuals and businesses who perhaps haven’t heard about the campaign to understand what it’s all about.
So, let’s start with
What is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities.
The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. In 2016 Small Business Saturday will take place on Saturday, December 3rd.
Any individual or business whether providing a service or product can apply to Small Business Saturday from 1st June, until applications close towards the end of July and by doing so are given the opportunity to pitch their business, hopefully going on to be profiled by Small Business Saturday UK. Apply here.
When applications close, the team begin their selection process to decide upon 2016’s #smallbiz100 and emails are sent out confirming if they have been chosen. The lucky 100 individuals representing 100 businesses are then given a nominated date and are profiled across social media and in the local press in the 100 days leading up to the event.
My business, Agile Administration Services, a Virtual Assistant business was fortunate to have been selected in 2014, which ended up not only being profiled across all social media platforms, but I also had an invitation to Downing Street. It was a fantastic day and lovely to be sharing the occasion with the other 99 businesses. Gallery here. Not only did I feel incredibly honoured to have my pitch chosen, I was then asked to become a Champion for Bedfordshire, one of only 20 asked and went onto provide the music for the official launch of the campaign last year (one of my clients) Press Release
I truly admire anyone who sets up in business and love what Small Business Saturday stands for. Small businesses need support, they need advice, they need custom….we need to shop local and look after each other not only on Saturday 3rd December but throughout the year. My contribution to the Small Business Saturday Blog.
Small Business Saturday UK, a non-political campaign offers a platform for giving advice, a programme of business-related workshops, talks and events, Inspire Series. Everything is FREE, there are opportunities to put your business on the Small Business Saturday Business Finder. See how you can get involved even if you don’t decide to pitch your business.
Have a think about what you can do on Saturday 3rd December to help promote your business. Whether it’s offering a free slice of cake with every hot drink bought or discounted price over a period of time for a service that is provided, pledge it on Small Business Finder and promote your business and or event. You’ll find me at LU7 2TZ. I will always retweet and share posts if tagged in @AAVirtualAssist.
Best of luck!
Cathy
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