Local Businesses Team Up To Promote ‘Small Business Saturday’

Hovering somewhere between ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Cyber Monday’ is ‘Small Business Saturday,’ the first Saturday after Thanksgiving set aside to encourage support of small businesses across America.

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Local business owners are teaming up to host the first-ever “Small Business Saturday in Oak Lawn” designed to promote and energize Oak Lawn’s independently owned shops and restaurants.

The Oak Lawn Chamber and local businesses have chartered a trolley to circulate between Cicero Avenue and Ridgeland Avenue, offering shoppers free rides to participating businesses. The trolley will be picking up and dropping off shoppers during Santa On the Green.

From noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, local residents are encouraged to “shop small” and give Oak Lawn’s locally owned businesses a strong start to the holiday retail season. Participating businesses will be offering special sales and showing off their most unique wares at the traditional start to the holiday shopping season.

Last year, more than 100 million people came together to “shop small” in their communities on Small Business Saturday, sponsored by American Express.

Applications from businesses are still being accepted. The cost to participate is $42 and includes a spot on the “Small Business Saturday in Oak Lawn” map. The program is limited to businesses on 95^th Street. Businesses from other parts of the village can set up tables at Archer Bank at 5400 W. 95th St.

“This is a pilot program but if it’s successful it will be expanded next year,” co-organizer Rita Olson said, owner of Gateway Inn.

If you own a business and would like to participate visit the “Small Business Saturday in Oak Lawn” Facebook page or call 708-955-9117.

Like the  "Small Business Saturday in Oak Lawn" Facebook page.