Shop StaffordFirst

Find something special for everyone on your list
and gift local this holiday season while
supporting small businesses.

Make Shopping Small part of your holiday tradition.

Shop Small Stafford is Stafford County’s official Small Business Saturday initiative
promoting local businesses as an official Neighborhood Champion with American Express.

Use the free Shop Small Stafford Digital Pass to scan QR codes and spend
November 28 visiting participating shops, restaurants, makers, and more.
Each scan = more chances to win prizes!

Unlock Your Digital Passport!

Ready to Shop Small? Here’s How to Get Your Pass.

Step 1

Get Your Pass

Click the button above or scan
a provided QR code to access
your free Digital Pass.

Step 2

Open & Save Your Pass

Your pass will arrive by text
and email. Open it and save it
to your phone for easy access.

Step 3

Check In at Businesses

Shop participating businesses
and scan the QR code
displayed at each location.

Step 4

Earn Prize Entries

Check-ins earn you entries
to win a Stafford shopping
spree. Learn more below!

Shop Small,Win Big

What You Spend in Stafford,
Stays in StaffordBy shopping at Stafford County businesses,
you’re supporting your neighbors and
strengthening the local economy!

Shop at Your Favorite
Storefronts or Explore the
Shop Small Stafford MarketVisit participating businesses at their
storefronts, or discover home-based
and online Stafford businesses at the market!

Learn more about the Shop Small Market

Win up to $1,000 to
Spend in StaffordThree lucky winners will take home
gift cards this year. Gift cards are
redeemable at any participating Shop
Small Stafford business of their choice!

You could win a$1,000 gift cardOR one of two$500 gift cards

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I use my pass?

Check ins and prize entries will only be available on Small Business Saturday, November 28, but you can sign up for your Shop Small Stafford Digital Pass ahead of time and start exploring participating businesses, as well as their event specials and sales.

How do I find participating businesses?

Your digital pass is your guide! Browse the pass to see participating Stafford businesses, where you can shop with them on Small Business Saturday, whether that’s at their Stafford location or at the Shop Small Market. You’ll also find any exclusive deals they’re offering and other helpful details to help you plan your day of shopping.

How do I check in at a participating business?

When you visit a participating business on November 28, look for their Shop Small Stafford QR code. Scan it with your phone and follow the prompts to check in and earn your prize entry.

How many prize entries can I earn?

Each participating business you check in at earns you one prize entry, with one check-in allowed per business. The more participating businesses you visit, the more chances you have to win!

What are the prizes?

Three lucky shoppers will win big! One winner will receive a $1,000 gift certificate, and two winners will each receive a $500 gift certificate. Each winner will choose one participating Shop Small Stafford business where they’d like to redeem their prize, and the full gift certificate amount will be issued for that business. So, as you shop on Small Business Saturday, keep an eye out for a favorite because you could be coming back with $1,000 to spend!

How will I know if I won?

After Small Business Saturday, all eligible entries will be entered into a completely random drawing. Every entry gives you a chance to win any of the three prizes: the $1,000 gift certificate or either of the two $500 gift certificates. Once someone is selected as a winner, they’ll be removed from the remaining drawings, so each person can only win one prize (sorry, no double-dipping!). Winners will be contacted using the information provided when they signed up for the passport, so keep an eye on your inbox after November 28!

What is the Shop Small Stafford Market?

The Shop Small Stafford Market is your chance to discover even more local businesses all in one place! Hosted by Long Family Markets at the 610 VDOT Commuter Lot, this special one-day market gives home-based and online Stafford businesses a place to pop up and sell their products in person, alongside participating businesses that may also have a local storefront. It’s a great way to shop businesses you may have never come across before, meet the people behind them, and find unique gifts right here in Stafford. While you’re there, you can shop the booths, scan participating businesses’ Shop Small Stafford QR codes, and maybe even find a new local favorite! Check out Long Family Markets’ page for more info.

Who is eligible to win?

Business owners and employees of participating Shop Small Stafford businesses are not eligible to win prizes. Employees of the Stafford County Economic Development & Tourism Department and members of their households are also not eligible to win prizes.

Are you a small business that wants
to participate in the Shop Small
Stafford Digital Passport?

Registration is open to eligible small businesses in Stafford County. Participating
businesses will be featured in the digital passport where shoppers can “check-in”
at small businesses on November 28, 2026

Don’t have a brick-and-mortar location? Businesses without a commercial storefront are encouraged to participate in the special Shop Small Market through Long Family Markets, where they may display their QR code and welcome shoppers as part of the campaign. Please note that applying for Shop Small Stafford does not register you for the market and that there is a $20 fee to participate as a vendor at the market. Apply for the Shop Small Market here. Make sure to fill out BOTH applications!

All businesses must be in good standing with the Commissioner of Revenue and Community Development.

Apply Here!