Shop Small, Support Big
Celebrate Small Business Saturday With Us
The holiday season has officially arrived, and with it comes one of our favorite traditions here at MDA,
Small Business Saturday.
Held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this nationwide event invites communities to come together and support the small, independent shops that make our towns feel like home.
But Small Business Saturday isn’t just a shopping day. It’s a reminder of why local business matters, and how choosing to spend your dollars close to home can create a ripple effect of good all year long.
A Quick History: How Small Business Saturday Started
Small Business Saturday was launched in 2010 as a simple idea with a powerful purpose to shine a spotlight on the independent businesses often overshadowed by big-box retailers during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
The response was immediate and inspiring.
Communities embraced it, local shops got the recognition they deserved, and the day became a movement rooted in connection, community, and economic resilience. Today, millions of shoppers participate nationwide, showing love to the makers, owners, and dreamers who fuel their local economies.
Why Shopping Small Truly Matters
When you shop locally, you’re making an impact, not just buying a gift.
You’re supporting real families. Behind each sale is a business owner who pours their heart, time, and creativity into what they do.
You’re keeping your community vibrant. Local shops bring character, diversity, and charm to our downtown. Without them, our community wouldn’t be the same.
Your dollars stay local. Studies show that for every dollar spent at a small business, more than two-thirds stays in the community, supporting jobs, public services, and future growth.
You’re strengthening relationships. Local businesses remember your name because you are more than just a dollar sign to them… you’re their neighboor. They greet you with a smile. They care about your experience because you matter to them.
How You Can Support Local This Year
Even the smallest actions make a big impact. This Small Business Saturday, consider:
Shop at your favorite downtown boutiques & makers
Buy gift cards for friends, family, or future you
Grab a drink or bite from a local coffee shop, restaurant, or food truck
Share your favorite small business on social media
Bring a friend and making a day of it
Whether it’s a handcrafted gift, a stunning piece of art, some handmade soap, a locally sourced candle, or a meal at a family-owned restaurant,your choice to shop small helps build a stronger, more connected community.
Join Us for Small Business Saturday
This year, let’s come together to celebrate the shops that make our town unique. Visit your favorite local businesses, discover new ones, and know that every purchase, big or small, helps our community thrive.
Let’s make this holiday season brighter, together.
Shop small. Support local. Spread love right here at home.
See More on The Blog
The Madras Downtown Association is dedicated to supporting local businesses, hosting community events, and growing a vibrant small-town economy in the heart of Central Oregon. From family-friendly happenings like First Thursday in Downtown Madras to local business resources and networking opportunities, we’re all about building connection, community, and a thriving downtown. Whether you're a Madras small business, a local shopper, or just love small-town charm—you're welcome here.