Small Business Saturday brings holiday discounts, promotions across Chicago
Businesses in Lincoln Square, Ravenswood offer special discounts amid Black Friday deals
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Lincoln Square and Ravenswood are the perfect places to celebrate Small Business Saturday.
Businesses up and down Lincoln Avenue are offering special discounts and promotions with other festive events taking place throughout Saturday.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
When you shop small, you are not just checking off things on your holiday list. You are supporting local businesses and keeping money in the community.
Rudy Flores, the president and CEO of the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, joined ABC7 to talk about the importance of Small Business Saturday and what types of deals local businesses are offering.
City leaders and neighborhood organizations came together on Small Business Saturday to remind people of the value of pumping money into their own communities.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy," 26th Ward Ald. Jessie Fuentes said. "They hire working families right out of our community so that they can financially sustain their households."
Fuentes shared her message from Café Colao, a local shop home to Puerto Rican coffee, sandwiches and pastries.
On the North Side, the Rogers Park Business Alliance bringing a financial incentive to the table. People who spent $150 at four or more local businesses earned a $50 dollar cash rebate.
"The benefits are that the money stays in the community, and so when you would normally shop at a big box store, that money goes out to another community," Carolina Juarez with the Rogers Park Business Alliance.
Also new this year in Rogers Park was a a market showcasing vendors and artists. They say the intentional effort to spotlight their work makes a difference.
"We're all just trying to sell our little thing, and do our little hustle and create community," artist Diana Gonzalez said.
SEE ALSO | Black Friday online sales on track to hit record high: What are people buying?
"People are really out here to support small businesses, like It seems like a very conscious effort today," author Lana Orndorff said.
On the South Side, nine Black-owned businesses were featured in West Pullman.
"When you shop small, you get to come and meet the owner of the business, versus going to these big organizations or these big businesses where you have no idea who's making the product," said Lynnette Howard with Naturals By Nette.
The Far South Community Development Corporation marketplace retail incubator program is giving a physical space for local entrepreneurs thanks to a grant from the City of Chicago.
"Your dollar matters. So not only monetary value, it's about your voice, your actions, your physical support, showing up," said Cam Brown with the Far South Community Development Corporation. "And so your dollar goes a long way, but if you can't spend money, show up, advocate for these small businesses."
