Shop Local, Make an Impact in Ohio on ‘Small Business Saturday’

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – With the holiday season underway, the Ohio Department of Development is encouraging Ohioans to support local shops, cafes, and restaurants on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29. Supporting small businesses boosts communities and strengthens Ohio’s economy.

“From our largest cities to our rural towns, small businesses play a critical role in Ohio's success," said Governor Mike DeWine. "Every dollar spent locally creates opportunities for Ohioans, supports families, and keeps our communities thriving.”

Ohio has more than 87,000 small business retailers and a total of 1.1 million small businesses statewide, according to data published by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Small businesses employ more than 2.2 million Ohioans.

“Small businesses are built on hard work, big dreams, and deep community spirit,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “Visiting neighborhood shops on Small Business Saturday is a great way to show support for our neighborhood entrepreneurs.”

For holiday shoppers looking for locally made gifts, Ohio.org features hundreds of Made in Ohio businesses, offering apparel, décor, furniture, food, wine, coffee, and more offering the perfect inspiration for finding something unique this season.

The Department of Development also supports Ohio small business owners and entrepreneurs through various business assistance centers that provide services at no cost to the business owner throughout the year. Ohio Small Business Development Centers served more than 12,000 clients in 2025, providing Ohio businesses access to $182 million in capital, building economic strength, and fostering business growth.

Additional information on resources to support small businesses can be found on Development’s website.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.