Tag Archives: Small Business Saturday

How to Support Small Business This Holiday Season

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The holiday season is now in full swing and while the rush to find gifts, plan meals, and celebrate can be overwhelming – it’s also the perfect time to make your spending count locally. Supporting small, independent businesses helps strengthen our communities, boosts local economies, and ensures your dollars go further – often staying in the neighborhood instead of to distant corporations.

Here are some meaningful, practical ways to show support for small businesses this holiday season.

1. Buy Gift Cards from Local Shops, Restaurants, or Service Based Businesses

Gift cards are a win-win during the holidays. When you buy a gift card from a small retailer or local restaurant:

  • You give someone a flexible gift that’s close to home.
  • You help that business with immediate cash flow, which matters during the busy holiday season.
  • You may even encourage repeat business – the recipient may return later and discover more products or services they love.

Whether it’s for a cozy café, boutique clothing, a neighborhood bookstore, or the local spa – gift cards help our small businesses stay afloat and grow.

2. Do Your Holiday Shopping Locally, in Person or Online

Skip the big box store crowd or massive online retailers for at least part of your holiday shopping. Instead, visit neighborhood shops, boutiques, and artisans — or check out their small-business e-commerce websites.

Many small businesses offer online ordering, local delivery, or curb-side pickup – making holiday shopping from home or on a schedule much easier. Buying from them helps keep money circulating locally – sustaining jobs, community services, and the unique character of your hometown.

3. When Ordering Holiday Meals or Treats, Opt for Local Eateries

The holidays often mean busy schedules, long workdays, or late-night prep – which can make fast food or big-chain takeout tempting. This year, consider ordering from a local restaurant or bakery instead. By doing so, you:

  • Support local workers and business owners when many smaller eateries depend heavily on holiday revenue.
  • Help maintain the local food culture, keeping unique tastes and homegrown menus alive in your neighborhood.
  • Often get fresh, more personalized meals – and maybe even help someone feel appreciated by ordering from a small, caring team.

4. Write Positive Reviews for the Local Businesses You Use

If you’ve had a good experience, whether it’s a great gift shop find, friendly service at a café, or delicious carry-out – take a minute to leave a public review.

Positive reviews help small businesses build visibility, trust, and a broader customer base, especially during the holidays when many people search online for gifts, food, or services. A kind review is a low effort but high-impact way to support your community’s businesses.

5. Spread the Word

Word-of-mouth and social sharing remain among the most powerful ways to support small businesses.

  • Share your favorite shops or restaurants with friends and family.
  • Recommend local businesses when someone asks for gift ideas.
  • On social media or within community groups, highlight small businesses you love.

Each share raises awareness and may bring new customers to those businesses.

6. Plan Ahead and Shop Early

Small businesses can get overwhelmed during peak holiday demand. By shopping early, you:

  • Help avoid stock shortages or long lead times.
  • Ease stress for small shop owners so they can better manage orders, staffing, and customer service.
  • Give yourself more gift giving flexibility, and allow local businesses to deliver better service.

 The Impact of Shopping Small

  • Local businesses are more likely to keep profits in the community, supporting neighborhood jobs, schools, and services.
  • Each holiday purchase at a small shop helps independent businesses compete during a season often dominated by big box retailers.
  • Shopping small helps preserve the unique character and culture of neighborhoods, making towns more vibrant, personal, and community-oriented.

As we head into Small Business Saturday (November 29, 2025), choosing to shop local is a small decision that can make a big difference.

Make This Season a Community Win

 Whether you’re buying gifts, ordering takeout, or doing your regular errands – consider making local businesses part of your plan this holiday season. A small shift in where you spend can help keep jobs, culture, and community thriving.

At First Financial, we believe supporting small businesses is one of the best ways to fuel shared prosperity. Check out some of our local business members this Small Business Saturday and throughout the season. Happy Holidays and don’t forget to shop local!

Holiday Preparation Tips for Small Business Success

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The holiday season is a crucial time for small businesses, offering immense potential for growth and customer engagement. Effective preparation is key to harnessing this opportunity. Here are some holiday business preparation tips to ensure your small business stands out and flourishes during this bustling season.

Strategic Planning for the Holidays

Strategic planning sits at the heart of successful holiday business preparation. It’s essential to analyze your market, understand competitor strategies, and find unique ways to distinguish your business. This could involve special promotions, events, or exclusive offers designed to draw customers to your location. Selecting the right sales strategies – such as discounts or holiday bundles, can significantly impact your seasonal success.

Enhancing Your Digital Presence

It’s no secret that these days, your online presence can make or break your holiday success. Ensuring your website is user-friendly and ready for increased holiday traffic is vital. Equally important is leveraging the power of social media. Regular posts and engagement on platforms like Instagram or Facebook can drive brand awareness, help with new customer discovery, and boost sales.

Inventory and Supply Chain Management

Effective inventory management is a crucial aspect of holiday business preparation. Review past sales data or industry trends to estimate the amount of stock you’ll need. This approach isn’t just about product quantity; it also involves ensuring you have all the necessary supplies to maintain smooth operations during the holiday rush.

Creating a Festive Shopping Experience

The holidays are synonymous with festivity, and creating a holiday-themed environment can attract more customers. If you have a storefront, consider decorating it and adding seasonal touches to enhance the holiday shopping experience. Collaborating with other local businesses for broader community decorations can also create a more immersive holiday atmosphere.

Preparing for Staffing Needs

Anticipate potential labor shortages typical of the holiday season. Planning ahead might mean hiring seasonal employees to ensure you have enough hands on deck. Training seasonal staff in various roles not only provides operational flexibility, but also ensures a high-quality customer service experience.

Financial Planning for the Holiday Season

Financial preparedness is a critical component of holiday business preparation. Exploring financial solutions like small business loans can help manage cash flow and cover expenses. Being financially equipped is crucial for a seamless holiday operation.

The holiday season presents a fantastic opportunity for small businesses to showcase their unique offerings and attract a wider customer base. Remember, it’s about creating an unforgettable shopping experience and quality products or services that keep customers coming back. First Financial is here to support your business every step of the way during this busy period. To learn more about business banking with First Financial, email business@firstffcu.com, call 732-312-1500 or visit one of our branches.

Don’t forget this upcoming Saturday, November 25th is Small Business Saturday. Be sure to support small business in your community and shop local!

First Financial Business Member Spotlight: Hairstylist for the Nations

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“I have many ideas about my business and First Financial knows how to help.”

It’s Small Business Saturday, and we are taking the opportunity to highlight one of our wonderful business members to encourage the support of shopping and using local Monmouth & Ocean County small businesses! With that being said, welcome back to our First Financial member spotlight – a series where we feature some of our personal and business credit union members who we’ve happily worked with over the years. This time we’re shining a light on business member Ameerah Jones, the owner of Hairstylist for the Nations in Shrewsbury, NJ.

Ameerah started Hairstylist for the Nations in 2012 after working in the fashion industry. One of the first reasons she decided to bank with First Financial was because there were no monthly fees for business checking accounts. Over time, Ameerah learned that First Financial met her needs as a freelance business owner in a fast-paced environment where she is constantly on the go – especially with her business’ credit card processing. The credit union also continues to be invested in helping her business grow.

Learn more about her experience in banking with First Financial in the video below, and why Ameerah recommends our business banking to other business owners she knows.

If you’re looking to book your next hair appointment, check out Hairstylist for the Nations located at 1026 Broad Street, Suite 6 in Shrewsbury. You can also call 732.242.7733.

How to join First Financial

If you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Monmouth or Ocean Counties in NJ, you’re eligible to become a member. Businesses in Monmouth or Ocean Counties and our community partners are also eligible for membership. To join, all you have to do is open a savings account with $5. It’s that easy! Once you’re a member, your immediate family can also sign up. To get started, call us at 732.312.1500, email info@firstffcu.com, or stop by any of our local branches.