Adobe Spark And Square Join Forces For A 'Holiday Small Business Boost'

After a challenging year, Adobe Spark and Square have decided to join forces and help small businesses during the 2020 Holiday shopping season.

It’s hard to believe, but the 2020 holiday shopping season has already begun. After navigating the uncharted waters of the pandemic, there is hope for small businesses as the holidays represent a bright spot on the horizon and opportunities to attract new customers.

According to Adobe Analytics, the holiday rush could see a massive surge in online sales. And better yet, 66% of shoppers say they are eager to support smaller, local shops.

To help them, Adobe Spark and Square teamed up to help small biz stand out during this busy season.

Together they have offered three deserving small businesses — Communitē Table (Oakland, CA), Shambhala Yoga & Dance (Brooklyn, NY), and MudFire Pottery Studio (Decatur, GA) — a holiday marketing boost. Each small business was paired with a local designer to bring a fresh look to their brand materials, from websites to logos to social media feeds, and put the power of Spark in their hands so they can continue to stand out on social. They also helped each business digitize their shops with Square Online and QR codes so e-commerce and safe, contactless payments are a breeze for their customers.

“Small businesses face incredible challenges during the best of times, but now more than ever we’ve been looking for ways to help them tell their stories and find their audience online,” says Veronica Belmont, Product Manager & Evangelist, Adobe Spark. “We’re constantly trying to find news means to help these small businesses, solo entrepreneurs and side hustlers tap into our network of tools and resources to help stay connected to their customers. There’s no time better than the holiday season to not only give back to these amazing businesses but help transform their brand along the way.”

“Small businesses are facing new and difficult challenges this year, with many looking for solutions to operate during this uncertain time,” said Lauren Weinberg, Global Head of Marketing at Square. “We are excited to be teaming up with Adobe Spark to offer support to deserving small businesses this holiday season so they can pivot online to modernize their operations now and in the future.”

But helping these three businesses was not enough. And Adobe Spark and Square still wanted to do more. That’s why they launched the ‘Holiday Small Biz Boost,’ a contest to win a $10,000 media buy credit and a subscription to Adobe Spark Premium. All you have to do for a chance to win is to sign up for a free two-month trial of Spark between November 13 and November 29 and explain what makes your business stand out this holiday season (in 250 words or less).

For step by step instructions on how to enter the Holiday Boost Challenge, visit this campaign website. You will also gain access to dozens of free Adobe Spark templates and an e-book to help you win this Holiday period.

Meet the businesses

Small businesses provide valuable assets to their communities and offer residents a chance to foster a deep connection with their neighborhood. Whether they’re offering locally grown meals, community-focused wellness programs, or creative crafts, these businesses have a place in building the soul of local communities.

Communitē Table

Communitē Table is a neighborhood restaurant in the Laurel District of Oakland, CA, featuring seasonal American comfort food and locally sourced fare. Popular with local residents, the cafe offers customers delicious homestyle meals and treats for both dining in or takeout. Oakland-based design agency DKNG will work with Communitē Table to revamp their digital strategy.

Shambhala Yoga & Dance

Shambhala Yoga and Dance Center is a non-competitive, community-oriented movement and wellness space located in Brooklyn, NY. They’ve been a beloved part of the Prospect Heights neighborhood for over 18 years by maintaining an intentional community with high quality instruction rooted in the philosophy of Hatha yoga. Brooklyn-based freelance designer Kalvinder Singh will be working with Shambhala Yoga & Dance for a digital refresh.

MudFire Pottery Studio

MudFire, based in Atlanta is more than a pottery studio, they’re a community-focused home for makers. In 2013, co-owners Deanna and Daphne took over MudFire and have grown the studio, added date nights, and implemented a mentorship artist in residence program. Sarah Lawrence, an Atlanta-based designer, illustrator and strategist will be working with MudFire.