Celebrate Small Business Saturday with these events in Youngstown
There are many opportunities this weekend to support neighbors in small businesses in Youngstown.
After the rush at grocery stores and hustle and bustle in retail stores for Black Friday, it’s finally time for Small Business Saturday.
Business owners, vendors and artisans are being celebrated on Small Business Saturday with events and rewards for customers who support them.
Downtown Youngstown Small Business Saturday
There’s an app sponsored by the city of Youngstown that supports local businesses and offers rewards for customers who shop at them.
What is the YO! app?
The YO! App acts is a local reward system allowing users to accumulate and use points known as “City Bites”, with each equivalent to a dollar.
City Bites are earned by users as a reward for shopping at participating local businesses. Users can then redeem their City Bites like cash for goods or services at any of the 30 local businesses categorized as “redeeming businesses” on the app.
This is fully funded by the City of Youngstown – businesses do not have to pay for the app, nor do they have to offer discounts.
“A lot of customers are enthusiastic about redeeming their points, and it makes us glad to see how this program supports us small businesses in Youngstown,” said Kalli Georgalos, owner of Mocha House in Youngstown. “We are really grateful.”
Now there’s a new “Discover Downtown” reward offer for “YO! Day 2023” on Small Business Saturday.
This week, there will be 20% extra rewards coming back to customers who support downtown businesses.
Customers that redeem $20 or more in City Bites on Saturday will receive $5 back in rewards.
“The app is a great way of connecting everything in Youngstown. I know that’s a big issue our city deals with. But I like the deals and earning and spending the Bites. It definitely drives you to connect with more businesses,” said Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki, owner of Penguin City Brewing.
The YO! app has seen major user growth with over 3,000 downloads and $40,000 worth of rewards spent at local businesses in downtown Youngstown so far.
Paladin Brewing Small Business Saturday
Local vendors and their products will be showcased at the Small Business Saturday Vendor Sale at Paladin Brewing.
It’s happening from 3 - 5 p.m. at 6520 Mahoning Ave. in Youngstown.
You’ll be able to shop with a beer in hand from the following vendors and more:
- Abigail’s Bakery
- Abstract by m2
- Alchemy Esthetics
- Ashley’s Fire
- Camper Care
- Chloe’s Creations
Crafts by Moe
- Independently Polished
- Jazz’mine Harsch Photography
- Knotty Hooker
Phil Makes Art
Paladin Brewing also started the Think Big, Shop Small campaign on their website, highlighting discounts and rewards for everyone who has been shopping locally.
All customers need to do to receive the discount is show a receipt from a local business you already purchased from. Customers can also follow at least five of the local small businesses on Facebook or other social media.
There’s a Facebook page with all the details and businesses included in the campaign.
Molnar Farms on Small Business Saturday
Visit Molnar Farms in Poland from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the craft and gift vendor market.
There’s no admission price for the market which features more than thirty local vendors showcasing unique and handmade items.
Vendors will be selling a range of handcrafted items, like one-of-a-kind gifts, holiday treats and specialty holiday decor.
The event will be hosted at Molnar Farms located at 3115 E. Western Reserve Road in Poland.
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