Small Business Saturday 2026: How to Put Your Business on the Map

Small Business Saturday UK is a massive grassroots, non-commercial campaign that highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support the independent brands in their communities.

While the headline event lands on December 5th, 2026, the campaign is actually a year-round national movement dedicated to celebrating the UK’s 5.7 million small businesses.  

According to the campaign data in the Small Business Saturday UK research for article.docx file, the movement is now in its thirteenth year in the UK.

It's a cause close to my heart having owned and run 3 small businesses of my own, it;s a great way to get inspired and perhaps have a chance to put your business in the spot light nationally for free.

Supported by American Express, it has already reached millions of people and driven billions of pounds in spending to independent retailers and local service providers. The campaign itself is run by Small Is Big CIC, a not-for-profit community interest company existing solely to serve small business interests.

If you want to get your business noticed, tap into free expert digital training, or even score an invite to Downing Street, here is everything you need to know to get involved this year.

Key Small Business Saturday Dates for 2026

To make sure you don't miss out on the biggest promotional windows, add these essential deadlines and events to your business diary:

• June 30, 2026: Applications close for the Nation's Favourite Businesses campaign.  

• August 2026: Successful applicants are officially notified via email.  

• November 2026: The physical national roadshow ("The Tour") kicks off across the UK.  

• November 3 – December 3, 2026: The FREE Digital Tour webinars run daily Monday to Friday.  

• December 5, 2026: Small Business Saturday UK official campaign day.

  
  

Apply to Be One of the Nation's Favourite Businesses

Applications are officially open to highlight the Nation's Favourite Businesses leading up to the main event in December.

For the past 14 years, selected businesses have received major exposure across national and local press, as well as the campaign's official social media channels.

Even better, successful applicants get to join the Small Business Saturday team in London for exclusive receptions at Downing Street, the House of Lords, and the Treasury Drum alongside the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

How to Apply

The application process is designed to be highly inclusive. If you need any assistance filling out the form, you can email the team directly at comms@smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com.  

Applications close strictly on June 30, 2026. Along with your basic business details, a marketing paragraph, a high-quality photo, and a short video, you will need to answer the following questions (each capped at a 1,200-character limit). It is highly recommended to draft these answers separately before pasting them into the application:

• Your Story: How did your business start? What are your future plans? How do you currently promote your business?  

• Community Support: What does your business do to support other businesses and your local community? (Include details on how you ensure accessibility and inclusivity).  

• Sustainability: Tell us about how your business is actively committed to sustainability.  

• Challenges & Success: What are the current challenges in your business? Let us know about a recent success.  

• The Standout Factor: What makes your business stand out from the rest?  

• Motivation: Why do you want to be part of the Nation's Favourite Businesses campaign?  

• Campaign Ideas: What ideas do you have to make the most of Small Business Saturday this year?  

  
  

Hop on 'The Tour' and Grab Free Digital Training

Every November, Small Business Saturday launches a massive national roadshow called The Tour. Supported by BT, the team travels over 3,000 miles across the UK to go behind the scenes, meet small business owners at their premises, and shine a light on their impact on the economy. To reflect the sustainable choices modern business owners are making, the entire journey is completed in an electric van to limit emissions.

Request a Live Visit

If the tour is coming to your town or city, you can log onto their website and explicitly request a physical visit to your premises.

Free Daily Digital Webinars

If the physical van doesn't make it to your local area, you can still access their completely FREE Digital Tour running from November 3rd to December 3rd.

Backed by the BT Skills for Tomorrow initiative—which aims to provide free digital talent and productivity training to 10 million people—these sessions take place Monday to Friday at 11:00 AM.

Industry experts will cover essential, practical topics to help your business thrive, including:  

• Marketing on a budget  

• Time management  

• Small business finance  

• Leveraging new digital tools, such as AI  

  
  

The Attendance Bonus: As an extra incentive, if you attend 10 or more of these digital webinars, the campaign will send you a special gift box from Box of Hugs London, a bespoke gift company founded by three sisters.

Share Your Story on Social Media

If you want to get involved on social media right away, this year's theme focuses heavily on interactive video content.

Business owners and consumers are encouraged to create and share an Instagram Reel showcasing their favourite small business—whether it is your own company or an independent local spot you admire. Use the video to show off the passionate people, unique products, or honest, heart-driven stories that make the business stand out and make your community buzz.