In support of small businesses, American Express & Mayor Bloomberg have launched “Small Business Saturday”.  Falling between Black Friday & Cyber Monday, traditionally two of the busiest shopping days of the year, Small Business Saturday is scheduled for this Saturday, November 27th & hopes to spur business for small merchants.

In addition, American Express is offering card members a $25 statement credit on any purchase of at least $25 on Small Business Saturday (November 27) at any locally-owned independent small businesses that accept American Express.  All you have to do is register your American Express Cards at the Small Business Saturday Facebook page.

Plus, for every person who “likes” Small Business Saturday on Facebook, American Express is donating $1 (up to $500,000) to Girls Inc. to empower young women to be entrepreneurs.

Need more reasons to shop local?  Try these…

1. Buying local creates jobs

Half of all employees in the US work for small businesses.  For being “small,” that’s a lot of employment.  Plus, small businesses create 60% of all new jobs.  Shop local & you support local jobs, as well as local businesses.

2. Small business fosters community

A community is a group of people who share some commonality.  When a neighborhood has a bustling small business district, it usually indicates there’s a strong community there, too.

By buying local & supporting your neighborhood small businesses, you’re fostering a strong sense of community right in your own neighborhood.

3. Buying local keeps the dream alive

A small business is someone’s dream. By supporting small business, you’re allowing someone to live the dream another day.  Many neighborhood stores & restaurants  are locally owned.  Their owners are invested in the success of their community as well as their business.

4. Buying local boosts your local economy & supports your community

There is an economic ripple effect that occurs when you support a small business.  Shopping locally helps support your community.

Studies show that for every $100 spent in a locally owned independent store, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll & other expenditures.  Your purchases at local stores keep businesses going & keep jobs in your community.  Local businesses are the ones who contribute to Chamber of Commerce festivals, fund local fundraisers & sponsor neighborhood community centers.  Buying local creates an economic cycle that helps everyone.

5. Buying local creates a ripple in society

When a small business person succeeds, it’s noticed.  It may be a child who sees that mom’s hard work & unique idea helped a dream come true.  Or it may be the entrepreneur’s neighbor, who sees success & decides that he could do it too.  Or a young adult who’s inspired to become active in her community.

And it all starts, literally, when you choose to spend money at a local small business…  For which we thank you!

*Excerpts taken from Barbara Wold International