On November 26, 2022, communities across the country will rally around local businesses during this year’s Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting small businesses. You might not realize it, but every time you pick up a cup of coffee from your favorite neighborhood cafe or buy a gift from a local artist’s online store, you’re shopping small and making a difference. In an effort to encourage support of small businesses, organizations across Virginia can sign up to serve as 2022 Neighborhood Champions. These supporters bring their community together with events and activities on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year!

As in past years, all Main Street America members have been pre-qualified to serve as Neighborhood Champions on a first-come, first served basis. All you have to do is fill out a brief application and indicate that you were referred by the Main Street America network. The application opens in mid-October and will remain open until mid-November or until all the spaces are filled. Complimentary merchandise kits will begin shipping towards the end of October, so it’s recommended that interested organizations sign up as early as possible to receive their kit with plenty of time to get prepared before the big day.

Learn more about the Neighborhood Champion program on the American Express website, and be sure to be on the lookout for the application to open soon!

Backing Change | Support Black-Owned Businesses in Your Community

Encourage your neighbors to support Black-owned businesses that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. From resources and grants to help Black business owners move forward to a growing list of Black-owned place to shop, there are ways for everyone to get involved.

Photo Credit (Lead Image): Localhood

Photo Credit (Bottom Image): Forbes