BALTIMORE, MD. (Saturday, November 26, 2022) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Alicia Wilson, Vice President of Economic Development and Community Partnerships with Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Health System, kicked off Small Business Saturday in Baltimore City by visiting fifteen local businesses during six different stops across the city.

Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support small businesses and everything they do for their communities. Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011, this event has become an important part of the holiday shopping season in communities across the country.

"Small Business Saturday is an important symbol for a sustainable economic future for Baltimore. Locally owned businesses are critical to our work to create communities that are prosperous, connected and vibrant," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "When we buy locally a significant portion of our money is cycled back through our local economy. Purchases from small businesses aid our neighbors and ultimately strengthen the base of our entire city all while creating jobs and generating wealth in the local community."

"We are excited to collaborate with the Scott Administration in this nationwide initiative, creating opportunities to highlight local businesses across Baltimore's Main Streets," Alicia Wilson said. "Through our collective efforts to support these businesses on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season, we are committed to supporting the local economy and raising the visibility of independent retailers, makers and restaurants along the way."

To further highlight Johns Hopkins' commitment to buy local, a special curated Holiday Gift Guide was released this week featuring special gift ideas and promotions from local small businesses.

According to the latest statistics from the United States Census Bureau, small businesses in Baltimore City employ more than 300,000 workers across the city - around 52% of Baltimore's total population - and generate approximately $19.5 billion in payroll for the local economy.

"We have curated a space filled with holistic products made by local and international artisans. When you support Flourish you are not only supporting your own personal wellness, you are supporting hundreds of conscious-minded small businesses both locally and globally," said Nilajah Brown, Owner of Flourish Baltimore, whose business was featured as part of the tour.

The Mayor's Office of Small, Minority and Women Business and Baltimore Main Streets are hosting this event in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Office of Economic Development and Community Partnerships as part of Johns Hopkins's HopkinsLocal initiative and the Scott Administration's commitment to inclusive economic growth.

In addition, Mayor Scott and Ms. Wilson are encouraging Baltimore City residents to shop small by supporting local businesses from November 27 through December 24.

Residents can share their experience on social media using the hashtag #BMORE2BALTIMORE.