Small Business Saturday is all about supporting the small businesses in your community. This year is the 10th year of Small Business Saturday, which encourages people to #ShopSmall all year long. Small Business Saturday was started by American Express in 2010 as a way to promote small and local businesses going into the busiest shopping season of the year. It always falls on the Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
As a small business owner myself, I love being able to support local businesses here in the Bradenton and Sarasota area. Here are some small businesses you should check out for your upcoming holiday shopping!
For The Art Lover
The Bungalow
https://thebungalowofbradenton.com/
Bradenton, FL
The Bungalow was built in 1911 and has gone through a variety of owners. Now it is a charming home decor store filled with one of a kind pieces.
Forest to Finish Designs
http://www.foresttofinish.com/
Bradenton, FL
Forest to Finish Designs is all about providing you with custom, hand-crafted woodworking for your home or office. All products are handmade in the Village of the Arts in Bradenton.
Alt Paper Co
https://www.facebook.com/altpaperco
Bradenton, FL
Alt Paper Co designs custom calligraphy, wedding decor, event signage and more.
Village of the Arts
https://www.villageofthearts.com/
Bradenton, FL
The Village of the Arts is an eclectic community of colorful cottages that are home to art galleries, restaurants, specialty shops, studios, and more. Check out their artwalk the first Friday night and Saturday afternoon of every month.
Towles Court Artist Colony
https://towlescourt.com/
Sarasota, FL
Towles Court is a historic enclave of bungalows and cottages right next to downtown Sarasota. There are galleries, studios, restaurants and shops. Check out their artwalk the third Friday of every month.
Victoria Blooms
https://www.victoriabloomssrq.com/
Sarasota, FL
Victoria and the team at Victoria Blooms create stunningly beautiful and unique floral arrangements for every occasion. Who wouldn’t love receiving fresh flowers for the holidays?
For The Shopper
Write On Sarasota
https://www.writeonsarasota.com/
Sarasota, FL
Write On Sarasota is the perfect place to get unique and custom stationary, invitations and gifts for any event.
Shannon Kirsten Studio
https://shannonkirstenstudio.com/
Bradenton, FL
Shannon Kirsten designs vintage inspired, colorful creations to brighten your day. She creates custom surface design, illustrations, wedding invitations and more. Some of her clients include Anthropologie, Hallmark, and Urban Outfitters.
Friendly City Flea
https://www.friendlycityflea.com/
Bradenton, FL
Friendly City Flea is a curated market showcasing crafts from local artists. The market is the fourth Saturday of every month in downtown Bradenton next to Oscura Cafe.
Bazaar on Apricot & Lime
https://www.bazaaronapricotandlime.com/
Sarasota, FL
The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime is an indoor indie market with a variety of gifts, art, collectibles, clothes, jewelry and so much more. There is also live music, classes, and a cafe.
73 Degree Flea
https://www.facebook.com/73degreeflea/
Sarasota/Bradenton, FL
This traveling indie market can be found all around the Sarasota and Bradenton area. There are a variety of local vendors selling their handmade goods, live entertainment and food trucks . 73 Degree Flea rotates vendors and food trucks so you will always have a unique experience.
Rusty Crickett
https://rustycrickett.com/
Bradenton, FL
Rusty Crickett is a woman and veteran owned boutique. They feature one of a kind gifts, vintage-style decor, and clothing. They also offer free gift wrapping.
For the Foodie
Artisan Cheese Company
https://www.artisancheesecompany.com/
Sarasota, FL
Artisan Cheese Company offers hand-cut to order artisanal cheeses from across the region, the USA, and Europe. They also have a variety of other delicious goodies such as oils, honey, jams, and salts.
Noela Chocolate
https://noelachocolate.com/
Sarasota, FL
Noela Chocolate creates artisan chocolates and confections using the highest quality ingredients from around the world. Their products are colorful, creative and make for great gifts.
American Honey Creamery
https://americanhoneycreamery.com/
Mobile food truck
This mobile creamery serves up delicious artisan ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, coffees, and craft beverages. It is owned by two sisters who make all their ice cream using milk from local dairy farms.
Atria Bread & Coffee
https://www.atria.cafe/
Lakewood Ranch, FL
Atria Bread & Coffee is a local cafe that focuses on artisan breads made with quality ingredients along with specialty coffee and beverages.
Station 400
https://www.station400.com/
Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch, FL
This family owned and operated breakfast spot strives to provide a quality food, friendly service, as well as give back to the community through supporting charities and sponsoring little league teams.
Five-O Donut Co
http://www.fiveodonutco.com/
Sarasota, FL
Five-O Donut Co makes small batch gourmet donuts and locally roasted coffee. With a slogan like “Arrestingly Good Donuts,” they tend to sell out so get to their shop early.
Tropical Shores Gourmet Popcorn Co.
https://www.tropicalshorespopcorn.com/
Sarasota, FL
This woman-owned gourmet popcorn company has a wide variety of flavors to choose from. There are over 40 flavors of popcorn and 80 saltwater taffy flavors available.
Enrich Bistro
https://www.enrichbistro.com/
Bradenton, FL
Enrich Bistro offers a unique dining experience by combining global flavors with local ingredients in a comfortable atmosphere.
Key Culinary Tours
https://keyculinarytours.com/
Sarasota, FL area
This locally owned and operated tour company takes guests on a variety of food tours around Sarasota and the surrounding area.
For The Wine & Beer Connoisseur
Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard
https://fiorelliwinery.com/
Bradenton, FL
Fiorelli Winery is a working vineyard located in Bradenton, FL. They do tours and tastings as well as special events.
JDubs Brewing Company & Taproom
https://www.jdubsbrewing.com/
Sarasota, FL
JDubs Brewing makes quality beers, both traditional and innovative. The taproom is where you can try their small batch beers. They also have food trucks and live music.
Calusa Brewing
https://www.calusabrewing.com/
Sarasota, FL
Calusa Brewing brews a wide variety of styles, including traditional unfiltered, hop-forward beers and mixed fermentation. The taproom features up to 16 rotating drafts.
Big Top Brewing Company
http://www.bigtopbrewing.com/
Sarasota, FL
Big Top Brewing pays homage to Sarasota’s circus history by crafting world class beers. The artwork is designed by Ringling School of Art and Design graduates. They have core beers as well as seasonal.
Motorworks Brewing
https://motorworksbrewing.com/
Bradenton, FL
Motorworks is Bradenton’s first craft brewery and has the largest beer garden in Florida. The taproom has 20-30 rotating beers as well as a full liquor bar.
The Good Liquid Brewing Company
thegoodliquidbrewing.com
Bradenton, FL
The Good Liquid Brewing Company is a craft microbrewery and gastropub. The taproom is where you can try a variety of beers on tap. The food menu features high quality, crafty food that pairs well with their beers.
Mandeville Beer Garden
https://www.mandevillebeergarden.com/
Sarasota, FL
Mandeville Beer Garden is a family and dog friendly beer garden with outdoor games and a kid friendly play area. They also have an extensive selection of craft beers with 30 taps and over 150 bottles.
For the Coffee Lover
Tellers
https://www.facebook.com/TellersBradentonFl/
Bradenton, FL
Tellers is a grab-and-go coffee shop located in downtown Bradenton. They also have food (vegan options), tea, beer, and wine available.
Oscura Cafe & Bar
https://www.oscuracafe.com/
Bradenton, FL
Located in downtown Bradenton, Oscura is a coffee shop by day and a bar by night that aims to bring people together and provide a creative hub for the city.
Lelu Coffee
http://www.lelucoffee.com/
Siesta Key, FL
Lelu’s is more than just a coffee shop. They offer all kinds of yummy treats (vegan and gluten free options available) and turn into a full bar/lounge in the evening. They brew in-house beans from Hawaii, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.
Out & About Coffee
https://www.facebook.com/outandaboutcoffee/
Sarasota, FL
Out & About Coffee is a mobile coffee bar where you can get brewed coffee, cold brew, and espresso drinks. The baristas are really knowledgeable and friendly.
Project Coffee
https://www.projectcoffee.us/
Sarasota, FL
Project Coffee is a community cafe located in the artsy Burns Court District. They use only plant-based milks and all the food they serve is vegan.
Kahwa Coffee
https://kahwacoffee.com/
St. Petersburg, FL
Kahwa is an independent coffee roaster based in St. Petersburg. They also have a location in downtown Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and the Mall at UTC. They blend single origin coffees with complex flavors. All of their baristas go through intense training to ensure every cup of coffee is the best you’ve ever had.
For The Health Guru
High Vibe Studio
http://thehighvibestudio.com/
Bradenton, FL
High Vibe Studio incorporates both physical and mental health. They promote living your best life through a variety of fitness classes and events.
Studio K2G
https://www.studiok2g.com/
Bradenton, FL
Studio K2G is a yoga and fitness studio for people of all ages and fitness levels. They strive to create a supportive community to help you reach your fitness goals.
The Daily Dose Juice Garden
https://www.juicedailydose.com/
Bradenton, FL
This juice bar serves up organic cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and food. It’s great for on the go or if you want to stay and hang out for a while.
Ionie Spa & Organic Cafe
https://www.facebook.com/IonieRawLifestyle/
Sarasota, FL
Ionie’s serve delicious raw vegan, gluten and soy free food, but it’s so much more than a restaurant. Their mission is to educate and inspire people to achieve optimal health. The spa offers restorative treatments for both mind and body.
Roma Luxury Goods
https://romaluxurygoods.com
Sarasota, FL
Roma Luxury Goods creates a variety of products, from candles to skincare and more, that are all-natural and vegan – free of toxic chemicals and irritating ingredients. Even their packaging can even be reused in many different ways around your home to avoid waste.
For The Fashionista
PAINT Nail Bar
https://www.paintnailbar.com/
Sarasota, FL
PAINT strives to provide guests with “A Luxury Nail Affair.” This nail salon doesn’t just look pretty, though. They focus on providing an exceptional experience while also using the highest quality products and odorless nail polish that is actually good for your nails.
Shop Jackie
https://shopjackie.com/
Bradenton, FL
Jackie is a personal styling subscription box service that connects women with quality brands that are handpicked by stylists. They also have a sustainable brands option.
Camilyn Beth
https://camilynbeth.com/
Sarasota, FL
Camilyn Beth designs classic garments for women with a modern twist. Each garment is designed in Sarasota and manufactured in New York using high quality materials.
Ma.Ma.Osa
https://www.mamaosa.co/
St. Petersburg, FL
Ma Ma Osa creates unique, hand sewn clothing using high quality and natural fabrics. Alisha Cooke (Mama Osa) is the one who designs and sews all of the garments.
Top Buttons
https://www.topbuttons.org/
Lakeland, FL
Top Buttons is a faith-based charitable organization that seeks to empower young women through educational events, clothing boutiques, and programs for teens in need.
Pure Skincare by Elizabeth
http://www.pureskincarebyelizabeth.com/
Bradenton, FL
Pure Skincare is a spa that helps you achieve the best skin possible through treatments. This spa takes a holistic approach to skin health and wellness.
L. Boutique & Spa
https://lboutiques.com/
Sarasota, FL
L. Boutique is a great shop for the latest contemporary styles. After you’re done shopping, head next store to L. Spa for a luxury spa treatment.
For the Traveler
Get Out Custom Travels
https://www.getoutcustomtravels.com/
Tampa, FL
Get Out Custom Travels is a custom trip design and travel consulting firm. They are also a full service travel agency to help you plan the trip of your dreams.
Florida Suncoast Helicopters
https://floridasuncoasthelicopters.com/
Sarasota, FL
Florida Suncoast Helicopters is a family owned helicopter operation business. They offer scenic helicopter tours of the Sarasota coastline for 30 minutes or an hour. They also provide pilot training.
The Traveling Gals
https://thetravelinggals.com
Sarasota, FL
The Traveling Gals is a travel blog based in Sarasota, FL. It chronicles the travels of three generations (mom, daughter, granddaughter) as they explore Florida, the USA, and the world. They also love Disney World.
For the Entrepreneur
Connect Bradenton
https://connectbradenton.com/
Bradenton, FL
Connect Bradenton is a coworking space in downtown Bradenton that seeks to create a collaborative and flexible work-space for small businesses and entrepreneurs. (The coffee shop Tellers is located right next door!)
Hub
http://www.hubsarasota.com/
Sarasota, FL
The Hub is a coworking space for creatives and entrepreneurs located right in downtown Sarasota. They are also a successful start-up incubator.
BOLD
https://www.boldlwp.com/
Sarasota, FL
BOLD is a live, work, and play community for entrepreneurs and small business owners. There is coworking space and an attached apartment building called BOLD Lofts. Everything is designed with entrepreneurs in mind.
Cowork LWR
http://www.coworklwr.com/en
Lakewood Ranch, FL
Cowork LWR provides coworking space in Lakewood Ranch as well as a place for people to collaborate and engage with the community.
It is so awesome that there’s so many great small businesses in the Bradenton and Sarasota area! While you are preparing to do your holiday shopping, make sure to check out some of these places for everyone on your list (or maybe for yourself!). When you shop local, you are supporting the local community and economy. We like to say that when you shop local, an actual person does a happy dance!
Do you try to shop local when you can? Share your favorite small businesses with us!
Happy Small Business Saturday!
Love this! Wish I was near you so I could check all these places out. Great idea, maybe I’ll have to create one for my little town.
Thanks, Amanda! We’ll be sure to take you around next time you’re in town! 😉