RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Recognizes Small Business Saturday, Encourages Michiganders to Support Local Businesses this Holiday Season and Year-Round

FOR PLANNING PURPOSES

November 29, 2025

Governor Whitmer Recognizes Small Business Saturday, Encourages Michiganders to Support Local Businesses this Holiday Season and Year-Round

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared November 29 as Small Business Saturday in Michigan and urges Michiganders to buy locally this Saturday and throughout the year to support Michigan’s small businesses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “Supporting local small businesses and entrepreneurs creates good-paying jobs and supports more vibrant communities in every region of our state. On Small Business Saturday, let’s celebrate Michigan’s small businesses by shopping local. I will continue working with anyone to ensure that our small businesses have the resources they need to succeed as we continue growing Michigan’s economy.”

Michigan is home to over 900,000 small businesses, with 1.9 million small business employees, representing 48.3 percent of Michigan workers. More than 99 percent of Michigan businesses are defined as small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Additionally, for every $100 spent at a local business, roughly $68 stays in the local economy.

“Small Business Saturday is a reminder that when we shop local, we are investing in our neighbors, communities and Michigan’s economy,” said Amy Rencher, SVP of Small Business & Talent at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). “The MEDC is proud to support Michigan’s small businesses with the resources, connections and tools they need to grow and thrive here in the state. We encourage Michiganders to uplift the small businesses in their communities by shopping local this holiday season and throughout the year.”

Governor Whitmer’s Efforts to Support Small Business

Governor Whitmer is committed to supporting small businesses and small business owners as Michigan continues growing its economy. The Whitmer-Gilchrist Administration has:

Ushered in the fastest small business growth in 23 years and a 24% increase in revenue, making Michigan the sixth best state for business.

Signed a bipartisan tax cut, reduced tax burden, and increased tax flexibility for small businesses, lowering their costs and enabling them to grow and create jobs.

Signed an executive directive to increase state procurement and contracts with small and geographically disadvantaged businesses.

Leveraged federal funding to launch a $10 million partnership to support women, veterans and entrepreneurs of color in accessing microloans.