Why Shop Local?

Studies have shown that for every $100 spent at a local business, an average of $68 remains in the local economy. And for every year over the past decade, 60% to 80% of all new jobs were created by small businesses.

To strengthen Tallahassee's local economy, the Local Business Saturday initiative has been created by Tallahassee Mayor John Marks in collaboration with local business leaders to increase public awareness of the value of shopping locally.

The second Saturday of each month will be a Local Business Saturday, where residents are encouraged to purchase at least one product or service from a local business. To provide an added incentive for customers, businesses are encouraged to offer special sales or promotions on Local Business Saturday. With customers and businesses working together to promote local shopping, we can revitalize Tallahassee's economy and pull ourselves out of the recession.

Our Mission

To revitalize Tallahassee's economy by increasing public awareness of the value of shopping locally.

Our Partners

Local Business Saturday is a collaboration of Tallahassee Mayor John Marks, local business leaders, the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, Capital City Chamber of Commerce, Locally Owned Tallahassee, and Market District Tallahassee.

Mayor John Marks launches Local Business Saturday at Market Square, January 12, 2011.