Spend Local. Amplify Local. Show Up for the Small Businesses Shaping Our Community.
Small Business Saturday® is more than a shopping day; it’s a movement rooted in community pride, creativity, and supporting the people who make Bakersfield one-of-a-kind. When you choose to spend locally, you’re not just making a purchase; you’re investing in the dreams of local small businesses.
As an American Express Neighborhood Champion®, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber is proud to unite with the City of Bakersfield, the Downtown Business Association, the Arts Council of Kern, and In Your Wildest Dreams to champion the entrepreneurs, makers, and dreamers who define our community.
Together, we are celebrating the small businesses that power Bakersfield’s identity, and inviting every resident to join us in making a meaningful local impact.
Why Shop Local?
- $0.68 of every $1 spent locally recirculates in our community
- Small businesses donate 250% more to local charities than national chains
- If every Bakersfield resident spent $40 locally, it would generate over $16 million for our economy
Local businesses create meaningful jobs, unique experiences, and a vibrant, resilient Bakersfield
A United Effort for Bakersfield
This year’s Shop Small® campaign is made possible through collaboration across our city:
Greater Bakersfield Chamber
Leading the regional Shop Small® movement as an American Express Neighborhood Champion®, providing tools, resources, and visibility for local entrepreneurs.
Bakersfield Downtown Business Association (DBA)
Activating downtown through events, business support, placemaking, and clean-and-safe initiatives that drive foot traffic and local engagement.
Find out what they’re doing to support local small businesses in Downtown Bakersfield by clicking below.
Arts Council of Kern
Advancing creativity and arts-based entrepreneurship, spotlighting makers and local creatives who bring culture, vibrancy, and innovation to Kern County.
Celebrate with them at one of their “Holidays on 18th Street” events. Click below to learn more.
City of Bakersfield
Championing economic development, streamlining support systems, and uplifting small-business districts with data, resources, and community programming.
In Your Wildest Dreams
Serving as the flagship location for the 2025 Shop Small® celebration, a two-story small-business hub featuring nearly 100 local vendors, makers, artists, and creators.
Together, we are building momentum and inviting Bakersfield to show up for the small businesses who show up for us.
How You Can Join the Movement
Shop Small. Share Local. Show Up.
- Visit local shops across Bakersfield, Nov. 25–29, and throughout the year
- Share your experience using #ShopSmallBakersfield
- Support the vendors and makers shaping our city’s creative economy
- Encourage friends and family to spend locally during the holidays
- Discover new businesses in the Chamber’s member directory at bakochamber.com
Are you a small business looking to get involved?
- Download the social media tip sheet – CLICK HERE
- Download the social media post graphic – CLICK HERE
Every purchase, big or small. creates a ripple effect that strengthens Bakersfield.