How to Support Independents This Black Friday (Without Spending a Penny)

Every Black Friday, I find myself talking (again!) about the power of your pound; because it really matters.

When you support an independent like Vicky’s Kitchen, or any other small business in Norwich, the money you spend doesn’t vanish into a billionnarie's yacht fund. It stays here. It circulates between grocers, bakers, designers, farmers, pubs, and coffee shops. It pays real people doing real work. It keeps your community vibrant and full of life.

But not everyone is in a position to spend freely, especially at this time of year. So this isn’t a “support small businesses by buying everything!!” post. This is about how you can help in ways that match your budget - including ways that cost absolutely nothing at all.

Whether it’s Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, the run-up to Christmas, or honestly any random Tuesday, here are meaningful ways you can support your favourite independents.

Ways to Support Small Businesses for £0

(Yup, completely free. These mean so much more than you think.)

• Like and comment on posts
  It takes seconds and boosts visibility like mad.
• Share posts or profiles with your followers
  Help us get in front of new customers without ad spend.
• Tell people in real life
  Word of mouth is KING. 95% of new customers come from in-person, word of mouth championing. If you love what I do, tell your friends, your neighbours, your pilates friends, your dog-walker.
• Recommend us to your workplace
  Catering, CSR projects, team lunches - they all keep cash in the community.
• Cheerlead and encourage us
  Running a small business is tremendously lonely. A "well done" can carry someone through a rough week.
• Leave reviews
  Google, Facebook, Instagram - wherever. Honest, kind reviews help more than any ad spend.
• Attend free events or join community groups
  Presence counts.
• Share our cards and leaflets
  Put them in them staff room, pass one to a friend, stick one to your fridge.
• Share your skills
  Maybe you’re handy with a camera, spreadsheets, design, or SEO. Most small businesses need advice and support from real people.

Ways to Support for a Little Money

• Buy gift cards
  They make great birthday/Christmas/teacher gifts.
• Come to pay-what-you-can events
  You get something lovely, I get to keep the lights on - bonus.

Ways to Support With a Bit More Budget

• Join loyalty programmes or memberships
  These help with predictable income, which is a massive stability boost for small businesses.
• Take workshops or classes
  Learn something new and support a human being, not a corporation.
• Buy occasionally
  Even once in a while makes a huge difference.
• Buy gifts from independents
  Thoughtful presents, made locally - what's not to like.
• Request or buy merch
  Tote bags, vouchers, stickers; whatever your favourite business offers. Merch promotes our businesses and provides a little extra income outside of our core business.

Ways to Support With the Most Financial Impact

• Buy regularly
  Weekly meal deliveries, subscriptions, monthly treats - this is the backbone of my business.
• Book for events or hire spaces
  Birthdays, office events, workshops, supper clubs: it all supports a whole chain of local people.

Why This Matters Beyond Black Friday

Even though Black Friday comes around once a year, the idea is evergreen:
your choices shape your community.

Every time you choose an independent - with your money, your voice, or your support - you’re investing in the Norwich you want to live in.

So whether you spend £0 or £100, thank you for cheering on small businesses like mine. It means the world.