Minnesota Launches Free Holiday Guide to Boost Local Businesses

Meet the Minnesota Makers has unveiled its 2025 “Shop Minnesota” Holiday Gift Guide, designed to promote local businesses across the state. The guide, which features products from 140 small businesses, is available for free on the organization’s website. It aligns with the national observance of Small Business Saturday, occurring on November 29, 2025, the day after Black Friday.

The initiative aims to tackle a significant challenge for local shoppers: a lack of clarity on where and how to support small businesses. According to a press release from Meet the Minnesota Makers, approximately 67% of spending at local businesses remains within the community, compared to just 43% for larger chain stores. Founder Michelle M. Sharp highlighted the importance of the guide, stating, “This guide makes it easy for Minnesotans to put their values into practice.”

Promoting Diversity and Ethical Practices

The guide showcases a diverse array of businesses, with 68% of the featured companies being woman-owned, 19% identified as BIPOC-owned, and 10% as LGBTQ+-owned. Additionally, 10% of the businesses are located in rural areas, while 45% practice “ethical or local sourcing.”

Each business listing includes information on various categories such as art, artisan goods, beverages, and farm products. The guide also highlights featured products, retail locations, and upcoming market events, making it a comprehensive resource for holiday shopping.

Since its inception in 2021, Meet the Minnesota Makers has focused on promoting businesses that prioritize local sourcing and production. The previous year’s guide reached approximately 15,000 people, demonstrating its growing influence. One featured business reported tracking 25 uses of discount codes that led to 18 completed purchases and three repeat customers.

Supporting Emerging Businesses

The guide also aims to remain accessible to new and emerging businesses. Featured businesses pay a nominal fee of $20 for holiday-only listings and $60 for year-round participation. The guide is updated throughout the year to include seasonal and holiday-specific offerings.

By providing a platform for local businesses, Meet the Minnesota Makers not only supports the local economy but also encourages community members to engage with and celebrate the diversity of products available within their own state. The 2025 Holiday Gift Guide represents a significant step toward fostering a strong local shopping culture in Minnesota.