Small businesses play a crucial role in the U.S. economy, accounting for nearly half of all private-sector employment and contributing over 40% to national GDP. In the Greater Rochester area, these enterprises form the backbone of the local economy, with more than 80% of the Greater Rochester Chamber’s membership composed of small firms. As the holiday season approaches, residents have a meaningful opportunity to support these vital contributors on Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025.
One effective way to help is by exploring the Chamber’s member directory, which lists over 1,300 businesses across the nine-county region. Whether shopping for gifts or sourcing services for a company, individuals can use the directory to identify and patronize local small businesses.
Social media offers another powerful tool. Sharing favorite shops online can amplify visibility just as much as direct spending. Posting photos, tagging businesses, and using hashtags like #ShopSmall and #SmallBizSat helps spread awareness. Leaving positive reviews on platforms such as Google, Facebook, or Yelp also strengthens a business’s online presence. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce provides a toolkit with ready-made posts and graphics to make participation easier.
Building connections with other entrepreneurs fosters regional growth. Events like the Greater ROC Holiday Party on December 11 offer chances to network with fellow business owners. For those unable to attend in person, virtual CONNECT networking sessions in 2026 provide alternative opportunities to engage.
Supporting minority-owned businesses is another impactful step. Historically, these enterprises have faced disproportionate challenges. Resources such as BOB Rochester’s directory highlight Black-owned businesses, while the Greater Rochester Chamber’s Top 100 Awards feature veteran-, women-, and minority-led companies. Prioritizing these organizations helps promote inclusivity and strengthens community resilience.
— news from Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce
— News Original —
Small Business Saturday: How to Support Greater Rochester’s Economic Drivers This Season
Did you know that small businesses employ nearly half of the American workforce and represent more than 40% of America’s GDP? At Greater Rochester Chamber, we’re proud to support our region’s small business community through business support, influence, and community connection. Over 80% of our membership is made up of small businesses, and in our company, success isn’t solitary, so nobody has to go it alone. This holiday season, it’s your turn to support this vital part of our regional economy and shared community on Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025. Here are easy ways you can show up for Greater Rochester’s economic drivers: n n1. Browse the Greater Rochester Chamber member directory to find small businesses in the Greater Rochester region n nGreater Rochester Chamber’s 1,300 members include companies of all sizes, including hundreds of small businesses throughout the nine-county region. Search our member directory or browse by industry to find a small business you can support personally or at work. n n2. Promote local small businesses on social media n nA free way to support local small businesses is by sharing your favorites on social media. Your voice can be just as loud as your dollars in supporting small businesses this holiday season. Let your networks know what your favorite small businesses are on social media so they support them as well. If you do, be sure to tag #ShopSmall, #SmallBizSat, and Greater Rochester Chamber so we can see and help spread the word, too! You can also leave a review for your favorite small businesses on Google, Facebook, or Yelp. The US Chamber of Commerce has created a toolkit of sample posts and graphics, or share photos of your favorite eye-catching products and stores. n n3. Build your relationships with other small business owners n nThe right people connecting makes big things happen. The synergies in our community are our strength and allow for tremendous growth potential for not just individual companies but for our whole region. Our second annual Greater ROC Holiday Party on Thursday, December 11th is a great opportunity to meet other small business leaders, or join a Chamber CONNECT networking call in 2026 if you can’t join us in-person. n n4. Find minority-owned businesses in the community to support n nProgress only happens when everyone has a seat and a say. Minority-owned businesses have been disproportionately affected by challenges throughout our history as a region and country. We can all get involved to help support these vital organizations in our cultures and in our communities. Find a list of Black-owned businesses in Rochester on BOB Rochester’s website and see more local veteran, women, and minority-owned businesses in the Greater Rochester Chamber Top 100 Awards magazine.