As a newcomer to the small business community in Michigan City, I opened JOYRide just this May, and I’ve experienced firsthand the incredible power of local support. With Small Business Saturday approaching on November 30th, I wanted to share some meaningful ways you can make a real difference for your neighborhood businesses, especially right here in Michigan City. 

Why Your Support Matters

Every time you choose to shop local, you’re directly investing in our community’s future. When our trikes started rolling six months ago, the community’s warm welcome helped us survive those crucial first weeks. Now, we want to help ensure all local businesses can thrive.

How to Support Local This Small Business Saturday

1. Start Your Holiday Shopping Early

Visit your favorite local shops during their quieter morning hours (most small businesses in town open by 10 AM). You’ll get personalized attention, and we can help you find perfect gifts while our inventory is fresh.

2. Join Local Loyalty Programs

Some small businesses offer loyalty programs. Sign up on Small Business Saturday, when many shops offer bonus points or special enrollment perks. These programs often provide better value than big-box store memberships.

3. Share on Social Media

Take photos of your purchases and shopping experience. Use hashtags like #SmallBusinessSaturday and tag local businesses. Your authentic posts help us reach new customers who might not know about us yet.

4. Bring a Friend

Make it a social event! We’ve noticed customers have more fun exploring local shops with friends, and it helps spread the word about new businesses like ours. You can easily do all of your holiday shopping on Franklin Street and at many of the independent stores across town. 

5. Write Reviews

Take a few minutes to leave genuine reviews for the local businesses you visit. As a new business owner, I can’t stress enough how valuable these are for helping others discover us.

Our Small Business Saturday Plans

At JOYRide, we sell gift cards and, of course, our Festival of Lights JOYRide experiences! The Festival of Lights rides are filling up fast! If you purchase your tickets before November 30th, use the code EARLYBIRD to get a discount. 

You can purchase your tickets here: Festival of Lights Tickets

To inquire about a gift card, please contact us directly at: smile@joyridemc.com

Remember, Small Business Saturday isn’t just about one day of shopping—it’s about building lasting relationships with your local business community. We’re here year-round, investing in our neighborhood, creating jobs, and adding character to our town.

Thank you for supporting local businesses like ours. We quite literally couldn’t do it without you.

See you on Franklin Street!

Rose Tejeda
 Owner, JOYRide
 Proudly serving our community since May 2024