November 29, 2025 – As the holiday shopping season begins, the Better Business Bureau Serving West Florida is encouraging residents to take part in Small Business Saturday by supporting local shops, restaurants and service providers. The annual event, launched by American Express, falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and highlights the role small businesses play in strengthening local communities.
BBB is sharing guidance to help shoppers make informed choices. The organization recommends exploring neighborhood pop-ups and special promotions, signing up for email alerts from local retailers and following businesses on social media for timely updates. Shoppers are encouraged to visit BBB.org for business reviews and accreditation details and to use ShopSmall.org to find participating locations.
The BBB also reminds consumers to look beyond retail. Local restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and service providers also benefit from increased community support. Gift cards offer a way to give and contribute to small businesses at the same time. Visitors are urged to share experiences on social media, tag their favorite shops and leave reviews on BBB.org to help bolster small businesses year-round.
In Englewood, the Chamber is hosting a local incentive for Small Business Saturday. Shoppers who purchase items from five different Englewood small businesses on November 29 and bring five separate receipts to the Englewood Chamber on December 1 will be entered for a chance to win four tickets to an Atlanta Braves game in the Lecom Legends Club VIP area. The prize package, valued at one thousand dollars, is provided by Capstan Financial Consulting Group. Receipts must be dated November 29. For more information, contact the Englewood Chamber at 941-474-5511.
