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Some people don’t believe in preparing for the holidays before November; however, as business owners, it never hurts to plan early. 

It's exciting to think about the holidays, but don’t get ahead of yourself. Set an actionable objective for what you want to accomplish this season. Include a figure and time frame. 

I want to achieve [figure] by [time frame]

Instead of saying “I want more sales by Christmas,” a clear, measurable objective sounds like, “I want to achieve a 12% increase in sales by December 31.”

If you're having difficulty setting an objective, reviewing last year's holiday figures can be a helpful way to establish one.

Make an intentional plan. How are you going to reach this goal? 

Customers begin their holiday shopping as early as September,r so it’s great to be prepared now.

Your owned channels will be your greatest resource this season, but make sure you are ready to handle the extra traffic.

Customers are busy, and you don’t want to lose a potential sale because your website was unclear or crashed during checkout.

Make sure your website and social media reflect any special promotions, prices, and hours. Your goal is to make the process as smooth as possible for your customers.

Stress test your website for increased traffic and pay attention to how it responds. Testing early gives you time to fix any issues that may arise.e

Find the best channel for your business, product, and food-based business should take advantage of any holiday events or pop-ups. 

Frequently check the  LaunchNavigator calendar for any relevant opportunities for your business. The calendar is regularly updated with amazing opportunities for Triad area entrepreneurs. Holiday Vendor applications open as early as September, so make sure you plan.

Consider hiring temporary employees to lighten the load this season. Begin hiring six to eight weeks before you need them to give yourself time to sort through applications and complete onboarding paperwork.

Get ready, it's time to kick off your holiday marketing! 

Leverage your website by using your digital “window” to draw customers by adding inviting holiday visuals to your landing page and updating your website’s SEO.

Be creative and get in the spirit! Themed gift bundles, digital gift cards with personalized email delivery, and handwritten thank-you cards elevate the experience of your customers and make you memorable.

This is the perfect time to develop returning customers. Attach a coupon or a gift to a customer’s receipt for their next purchase to encourage them to return.

Find a way to stay in touch with your customers throughout the year. Invite them to sign up for your newsletter or follow your social media. A small discount on their next purchase may motivate a hesitant customer to sign up.

Customers remember businesses that consider and value them.

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides a free online learning platform for entrepreneurs to master key skills to grow their businesses at their pace. Entrepreneurs choose which skill they would like to master and skip the ones they already know

The platform is divided into major topics called Journeys; within each Journey are smaller modules called Excursions with the tools needed to master a topic. Each excursion includes an estimated completion time.

Click the link below to get started!

The Winston-Salem Partners Roundtable Fund is a group of more than 70 accredited investors dedicated to advancing the economy of Winston-Salem and the surrounding region by investing in promising early-stage companies.

A typical investment ranges from $100K to $300K.

In some cases where WSPR leads an investment round, WSPR may request a board or observer seat.

Important note: customers must be based in or committed to relocating to the greater Winston-Salem area.

Contact [email protected] for information regarding application submission.

Elevate your brand at North Carolina A&T's Centennial Homecoming! The Aggie Expo Vendor Experience offers product-based businesses a prime opportunity to showcase their offerings to a massive audience.

Don't miss this chance to connect with a large crowd and boost your visibility during one of the year's most anticipated events.

Please note that this opportunity is reserved for merchandise vendors only; food vendors are not eligible.

Applications close October 2, 2026

The vendor fee is $300.

🗓️ October 30, 2026.

⏰ 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

📍In front of the A&T Student Center | John Mitchell Drive, Greensboro, NC 27411