Support local this Small Business Saturday

Nov. 26—After the big Black Friday sales, check out the local independent businesses participating in Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate small businesses and all they do for their communities.

Created in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday — the day after Black Friday — is a perfect time to stop in and support your local independent business retailers.

According to independentwestand.org, shopping local stimulates the local economy. Shopping at local retailers, opposed to large retail chains, keeps a greater percentage of the money within the community. For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remains in the community, compared to $43 spent at a national chain.

It also helps retain the uniqueness of a community. Independent businesses create distinctive shopping experiences, because they buy for their own individual markets, offering a wider array of unique products.

Locally owned businesses, often one's friends or neighbors, have a vested interest in knowing how to serve their customers, as their livelihood depends upon the happiness of their patrons.

Shopping at local retail stores isn't the only way to participate. While you're out and about, don't just shop small, eat small. Small independently owned restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops would love to welcome new customers.

Buying local supports those that donate to local causes. Forbes reports that small businesses donate 250% more to local non-profits and community causes than large businesses.

When you buy from a small town business, you're not helping a C.E.O. buy a third holiday home, you're helping local families buy gifts for their families. You're helping moms and dads put food on the table. You're helping families pay for dance lessons, sports team participation and so much more.

This holiday season, and year-round, shop local first!