How will you make your holiday spending really count this year?

In a time when convenience often tempts us toward the cheapest item on Amazon or from a big box store, it’s worth pausing to think about where your money goes. Intentionality and financial mindfulness is at the core of this.

Entrepreneurship is at the heart of the American Dream, representing creativity, resilience, and the hope for something better. By shopping small this holiday season, you’re not just buying a product. You’re supporting the dreamers, makers, and innovators who bring so much heart to our communities and economy. Whether it’s finding a handmade gift from a craft fair or Etsy seller, treating your family to dinner at your favorite neighborhood spot (and leaving an extra tip), heading to your town’s Main Street instead of the mall, or purchasing a membership to a local museum, your dollars directly support the people and places that make your community special.

Holiday shopping is so much more than about getting the best Deal or Thing; your dollars are important fuel for the economy and you can send it to the big boss in the corner office, or the business on the corner of Main Street. Shopping small is an investment in the people and businesses who need it most: those whose dreams and hard work create the vibrant communities we love. Your support helps keep these dreams alive, strengthens local connections, and ensures the spaces and services you value continue to thrive. Talk about a patriotic act!

This holiday season, let’s make every dollar count, to uplift the creators, entrepreneurs, and hidden gems that brighten our lives.

Are you ready to shop Small and make a Big difference? Share your favorite small businesses (or your own—don’t be shy!) in the comments.