Small Business Saturday’s nationwide roadshow has launched today (30 October), with the campaign profiling small businesses across the country throughout November, and providing free business support as firms tackle ongoing economic challenges.

‘The Tour’ will spotlight and celebrate the vital contribution of the nation’s 5.5 million small businesses to the economy and local communities. Setting off in Inverness, Scotland, it will go on to visit over 20 towns and cities before finishing in London shortly ahead of Small Business Saturday on 2 December.

The campaign celebrates small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and to support businesses in their communities.

Once again supported by BT Skills for Tomorrow, the roadshow will travel the length and breadth of the country and visit 23 locations including city centres like Newcastle, Exeter, and Belfast, to coastal communities such as Whitstable, and small towns like Knowle.

Furthermore, with sustainability high on the agenda for small businesses, The Tour will make use of electric vehicles to reduce emissions and reflect the sustainable switches many business owners are making as part of their vital role in the race to net zero. This will include touring with a state-of-the-art eco-friendly electric bike – the Electro Ride X.

As part of The Tour, there will also be opportunities for UK business to take part in a wider online programme of free business support. Virtual workshops and webinars on a range of business topics will be available each day. There will also be free one-to-one mentoring. Plus, opportunities for entrepreneurs to tell their stories and network on the campaign’s social media channels.

Commenting is Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK. “We are thrilled to visit small businesses all across the UK on this year’s Tour as we count down to Small Business Saturday. With the campaign this year, we want to shine a light on the nation’s fantastic small firms and instil a real sense of optimism for next year, especially at a time when many entrepreneurs are struggling with some persistent economic challenges. I encourage everyone to support their favourite small businesses, in person and online, during the campaign and all year round.”

A Small Business Happy Hour on Instagram will also take place every week, with giveaways from local businesses all over the country.

Chris Sims, BT’s MD for small and medium business, says: “Small Business Saturday is a fantastic initiative that empowers entrepreneurs to tackle the biggest challenges they are facing today. This year, small businesses can access specialist mentoring and support, giving them tailored guidance on issues ranging from effective marketing to cyber security. As The Tour enters its second decade, we are proud to be partnering with Small Business Saturday on this initiative again through our Skills for Tomorrow program, which has helped over one million entrepreneurs grow their small businesses with free digital skills training.”

To get involved in The Tour locally, or book virtual one-to-one mentoring sessions and workshops, please click here.