Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses that their community thrives on.

American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors in order to continue prospering and building the local economy in Reading and North Reading.

"In conjunction with Small Business Saturday, the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce's 'Buy Local' program is aimed at reminding consumers about the importance of supporting local businesses. Studies have shown that, for every $100 spent locally, $68 stays in the local economy. This money is reinvested into our community by way of taxes, job creation and charitable donations. Remember to support the businesses that support you. Your efforts make our community a better place to live. We urge you to make a special effort to 'Buy Local' November 23-25 and ongoing," Julie Higgins Chamber Executive Director said.

The businesses participating in the chamber's Buy Local weekend (11/23-25) are: 

• Goodhearts Children's Shop
• The Jewlery Vault
• Horsehoe Grille
• Everything But The Dog
• The Hitching Post Gift Shop
• Ryer's Country Store
• Brissonte
• The Chocolate Truffle

"The idea is that anyone who shops at these stores during Buy Local weekend and mentions they are "Shopping for the Lights" the business will give back a percentage of their sales to the Chamber's Holiday Light Festivals. For example, Ryer's is offering to kick back 10 percent of all wine sales during that weekend! Exciting! Brissonte is providing 10 percent of all sales to anyone that Shops for the Lights!" Higgins said.

Last year, 100 million people nationwide participated in Small Business Saturday by shopping at locally owned stores to help boost the economy and their communities.

You can also “like” Small Business Saturday on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/shopsmall.

Everyone has locally owned businesses in their community, and shopping on Small Business Saturday is the perfect way to give back to the businesses you know and love in your community.

TELL US: What small businesses do you patronize in your town and what makes them great? Share in the comments below.