Not a Retail Biz? You Can Still Be a Strong Part of Small Business Season

Tiffany Lukens • 1 November 2023

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The holiday season is upon us, and 'tis the season for shopping! As a small business owner, you might think that participating in the "Shop Local" movement or Small Business Season is reserved for retail and restaurant establishments. That's not the case!


Small businesses from every sector can actively join in on Small Business Season, which begins November 1 and goes through the end of the year. This initiative creates a vibrant, supportive local economy and helps businesses like yours reap the benefits of increased visibility and customer loyalty.


So let’s explore a few creative ways for non-retail or food industry businesses to participate in Small Business Season and have the best holiday season ever:

  1. Collaborate with Retailers
    One of the most effective ways to be a part of Small Business Season as a non-retail business is by collaborating with local retailers. It can be a lot of fun, introduce you to new audiences, and create opportunities for further collaborations in the future. For example, if you run a local grocery store, partner with a retailer that sells cookware and promote a holiday cooking demo. By working together, you both strengthen your ties with the community and increase your visibility.
  2. Offer Exclusive Discounts or Packages
    While you may not be selling products, you can still create exclusive holiday offers or packages for local customers. For instance, if you're a law firm, you can provide a discounted consultation for individuals or businesses in your area. This not only encourages people to use your services but also shows your commitment to the community. Plus, if you tie it into something that is completely irrelevant to what you do but a part of the holiday season like a special “Pumpkin Spice Consultation” or a “Have family in town for the holidays? Need to make last-minute changes to your will because of the way they’re acting? We’ve got you covered.”
  3. Sponsor Local Events
    Another way to engage in Small Business Season is to sponsor local holiday events through the Chamber and other high-profile organizations. Ideas include the annual tree lighting ceremony, charity fundraisers, or even the Shop Small Passport Program. By sponsoring these events or contests, you show your support for the local community and gain valuable exposure among the event attendees.
  4. Decorate Your Business
    Get into the holiday spirit by decorating your business. Even if you're a B2B company or a service provider, a festive atmosphere can help your employees and clients get into the holiday mood. Consider hosting a small holiday party for your clients and associates to celebrate the season.
  5. Create Local Gift Guides
    Regardless of your industry, you can create local gift guides that highlight the products or services of local retailers. Share these guides on your website, through social media, or via email newsletters. It not only supports your local business community but also positions you as a resource for holiday shoppers.
  6. Partner with Charities and Nonprofits
    The holidays are a time for giving, and businesses can show their community spirit by partnering with our local charities. Consider organizing food drives, toy drives, or fundraising events to support those in need during the holiday season. Some businesses with good locations set up a “giving tree” where the needs of the community are sponsored by an individual or company that takes a tag and promises to satisfy the need listed on the tag. This not only fosters goodwill but also demonstrates your commitment to your area.

  7. Engage on Social Media
    Stay active on social media platforms during the holiday season. Share and engage with content from local businesses and use relevant hashtags to join the #FCSmallBusinessSeason conversation. Encourage your followers to do the same.


Participating in Small Business Season during the holidays is not exclusive to retail businesses. As a non-retail small business, you can play a significant role in fostering a strong sense of community, supporting the local economy, and strengthening your own business in the process.


By collaborating and participating in these activities, you can make a meaningful contribution to the holiday season's spirit of giving and community support.



This Small Business Season let's all join hands and shop local and small to build a stronger, more vibrant community!


1 September 2026
Tell us a little about Nubiano’s Pizza! How did the business get started, and what inspired you to get into the pizza business? Nubiano’s Pizza was started in 1982 by Bob Newby, with assistance and training from my father, Mike Dingo. My father shared the original Bruno’s Pizza recipe and helped Bob get the business started. Nubiano’s was later sold to the Siciliano family, who loved and nurtured the business for many years before we had the opportunity to purchase it. For me, being in the pizza business is truly a family tradition. I grew up around it, so continuing that tradition while becoming part of the Fulton County community has been very meaningful to me. What do you think makes Nubiano’s Pizza stand out, and what are a few menu items you think everyone should try at least once? I believe Nubiano’s stands out because of the freshness and quality of our ingredients and the care we put into making our food. We work with a supplier that provides unique, high-quality Italian products, and we still do many things the traditional way. Our dough is hand-rolled nightly, our cheese is freshly ground from blocks, and our dough contains no unnecessary additives. We believe those extra steps make a difference you can taste. Everyone has a favorite, but I always say that if you really want to judge the quality of a pizza, try a plain cheese pizza. There’s nowhere for the ingredients to hide—you can truly taste the quality of the dough, sauce, and cheese. Another favorite is our Nachos Deluxe. We know nachos aren’t necessarily what you expect from a pizza place, but using our pizza cheese on them is a game changer! Every restaurant has its regulars! What’s the most popular order at Nubiano’s, and is there a menu item you think deserves a little more love? Our most popular pizza is definitely the Deluxe, topped with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and green peppers. One menu item I think deserves a little more love in Fulton County is our ground pepperoni. It has been a longtime favorite with our Logansport customers, and I would love to see more Fulton County customers discover it. It has a fresh, distinctive flavor and is a great example of the quality ingredients we use. What has been the most rewarding part of owning and operating a business in the Fulton County community? The first thing that comes to mind is knowing that Nubiano’s has become part of so many Fulton County families’ traditions. Around the holidays especially, I hear heartwarming stories from customers about having our pizza after the birth of a child, celebrating an anniversary, gathering with family, or marking another special occasion. Knowing that our food has been part of those memories means so much to us. We also love having the opportunity to give back to the community. Whether it’s offering discounts to local teams, donating to raffles and fundraisers, sponsoring organizations, or helping a family or cause in need, being in this business gives us the ability to support the community that supports us. That opportunity to give back is truly priceless. What’s something people might not know about Nubiano’s Pizza—the owners, your team, or what happens behind the scenes? Something people may not realize is how much our team operates like a family. We cover for one another when someone needs help, check in on each other outside of work, and genuinely care about what is happening in each other’s lives. Of course, like any family, we work hard and occasionally drive each other a little crazy—but at the end of the day, we support one another. I think that sense of family carries over into how we treat our customers as well. 6. If you had to create a “Fulton County Pizza,” what toppings would be on it? I think our “Fulton County Pizza” would have to be a pepperoni pizza—with the pepperoni arranged in the shape of a heart—because we truly love being part of this community.
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