Noblesville’s Small Business Saturday going virtual

Photo provided

Livestream event on Nov. 28 will bring local businesses into people’s homes

Small Business Saturday was launched 10 years ago as a way to help small businesses gain exposure and to inspire consumers to shop within their own communities during the holiday season. As the “shop local” campaign grew, so did awareness of the importance of supporting locally-owned businesses.

This year, the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, Nickel Plate Arts, Noblesville Main Street, and the City of Noblesville are partnering to provide a seven-hour livestream event on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28. The event, which will be streamed on Facebook Live, will feature Noblesville businesses, artisans and organizations with the goal of helping local businesses generate more sales throughout the holiday season.

“Small Business Saturday has always been a big day for our local retailers and a fun day for our residents,” said Noblesville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob DuBois. “Together with our Love Noblesville Network of organizations, we are taking steps to ensure the spirit and impact of Small Business Saturday continues.”

Noblesville Main Street Executive Director Lorna Oskouie said she is looking forward to the event’s exposure for Noblesville shops and restaurants.

“Business owners and all of our organizations have been working together since August to come up with a plan to safely have shoppers downtown or online all day as this Small Business Saturday is more important than most,” Oskouie said. “Downtown Noblesville literally has something for everyone on your list and you get to directly support their family in the process!”

“Small Business Saturday is often the single most profitable day in the year for small shops and artisans, and in this year, where small stores have been so challenged by COVID-19 restrictions and the downturn in the economy, it’s more important than ever,” Nickel Plate Arts Executive Director Aili McGill said. “Many artisans in the Nickel Plate Arts network make more than 50 percent of their profits for the year in the fourth quarter of the year, and most of those profits come in on Small Business Saturday.”

In addition to the livestream event from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., businesses will be able to feature their products on an online marketplace website at lovenoblesville.com. Additionally, businesses can opt in to accept a universal gift card under the Love Noblesville umbrella.

“Our webcast, online marketplace, and universal gift card will together provide Noblesville residents the tools they need to support our small businesses and our neighbors,” DuBois said.

Businesses who are interested in participating in “Small Business Saturday Live!” on Nov. 28 can contact the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce at info@noblesvillechamber.com or call (317) 773-­0086.

About the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce

The mission of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, through the unity and efforts of its members, is to foster and achieve a healthy economic climate for all citizens of the Noblesville area. Visit the Chamber’s offices inside the Hamilton East Public Library in Noblesville, online at noblesvillechamber.com, or call (317) 773-0086.