Small Business Saturday: Alabama Governor Ivey’s Proclamation

# Alabama Celebrates Small Businesses with November 29th Proclamation

Alabama will officially recognize Small Business Saturday on November 29, 2025, the Saturday following Thanksgiving, following a proclamation signed by Governor kay Ivey on Friday.The initiative underscores the critical role these enterprises play in the state’s economic vitality and community fabric.

Governor Ivey’s proclamation acknowledges that Alabama “believes small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the glue that holds communities together.” This sentiment is backed by data from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which projects 465,610 small businesses will be operating across Alabama in 2025.

Did you know? – Small Business Saturday was first observed in 2010 by American Express as a response to the growing consumer interest in supporting local businesses during the holiday season.

The Economic Powerhouse of Alabama’s Small Businesses

These businesses represent a staggering 99.4 percent of all businesses in the state and provide employment for 46 percent of Alabama’s workforce. Beyond their local impact, Alabama’s small businesses are notable contributors to global trade. more than 3,337 small businesses within the state export goods internationally, generating $4.2 billion in revenue – representing 16.4 percent of Alabama’s total exports.

“Small businesses are the heart and hustle of Alabama,” Governor Ivey stated. “They create jobs, carry forward family legacies and bring life to every Main Street from the Shoals to the Gulf of America.” She further emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting these businesses, aligning with national efforts to reduce regulations and promote American-made commerce.

Pro tip: – Before heading out,check a small business’s website or social media for special Small Business Saturday deals or events.

Advocates Echo Support for Local Entrepreneurs

Leading small-business advocates have voiced their appreciation for the governor’s recognition. Rosemary Elebash, Alabama state director for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), expressed gratitude for acknowledging the “many contributions small businesses make to Alabama’s economy.” She highlighted that small businesses comprise over 99 percent of all businesses in Alabama and employ approximately 40 percent of the state’s private-sector workforce.

According to Elebash, 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business remains within the local community. Furthermore, each dollar spent generates an additional 50 cents in local economic activity as employees and businesses reinvest within the area.

Janita Stewart, acting district director for the SBA Alabama District Office, positioned Small Business Saturday within the broader holiday shopping season. “Right on the heels of Thanksgiving Day is Black Friday, and the following week will be kicked off with Cyber Monday,” Stewart explained.”In between those days is what has come to be known as ‘Small Business Saturday,’ which kicks off the ‘Season of Small’ starting November 29th.”

Reader question: – What are some ways you plan to support local businesses this Small Business Saturday?

A call to Support Local Commerce

The proclamation encourages Alabamians to actively support their local small businesses on november 29th and throughout the year. From retail and co