In a nationally organized but locally focused promotional effort, today, Nov. 27 is Small Business Saturday.
Spearheaded by American Express, the effort is aimed at stimulating the economy by keeping dollars spent as local as possible.

The website is http://smallbusinesssaturday.com and the following is from the FAQ section of that site:

What is Small Business Saturday?
More than a dozen advocacy, public, and private organizations are joining American Express OPEN, the company’s small business unit, in declaring the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday. This year, Small Business Saturday is November 27, 2010.

Is Small Business Saturday designed to get people to stop shopping at larger businesses or online?
Absolutely not. Small Business Saturday recognizes the importance of small businesses to the overall economy and local communities. It’s a day to support the small, independently owned businesses we can’t live without.

Who can get involved in Small Business Saturday?
Anybody. Anywhere. Now through Small Business Saturday, November 27.

How can I get involved in Small Business Saturday?
There are a number of ways for you to get involved. First and foremost, it’s about helping raise awareness about the importance of small business to our communities. For example, you can visit www.facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday where you can "like" Small Business Saturday and syndicate news feeds about the day to your personal, virtual networks. There, you can also spread the word about the day and your favorite businesses by giving a shout-out to your favorite local shops and restaurants via Facebook and Twitter.

You can also support Small Business Saturday by patronizing the local, independently owned small businesses in your neighborhood. That could mean anything from having dinner on your way home from the mall during the holiday shopping season or reserving a part of your holiday gift budget to spend at a local small business.

And if you’re an American Express® Cardmember, you’re eligible to earn a $25 statement credit on any purchase of at least $25 on Small Business Saturday at any locally owned independent small businesses that accept American Express. You can redeem this offer by registering your American Express Cards at SmallBusinessSaturday.com/Enroll. Terms apply, available here www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday.

I'm a small business owner. How can I get involved in Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday can provide business owners with marketing opportunities that can help increase demand for your products and services.

For example, business owners who sign up at www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday will receive a $100 Facebook advertising credit to help build online buzz and drive customers to spend at their businesses on Small Business Saturday. Supplies of advertising inventory for this offer are limited so sign up now. See complete details here www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday.

You can also download promotional materials and a number of social media tools to promote your business on the inaugural Small Business Saturday this November 27th.

Why should I get involved in Small Business Saturday?
The goal of Small Business Saturday is to inspire you to support the local small businesses that mean the most to you. Supporting small business is all about supporting our communities.

Small business is the heartbeat of local communities and the engine of the US economy. Over the past two decades, small businesses created 65 percent of net new jobs. In addition, for every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures.

What featured events are happening during Small Business Saturday?
In support of this day, American Express OPEN is partnering with nearly 20 advocacy, public, and private organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which is supporting Small Business Saturday events in Boston, Massachusetts; Cedar Falls, Iowa; Port Townsend, Washington; as well as the Convention and Visitor's Bureaus in San Francisco, Greater Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, LA, and NYC.

Over time, our hope is that many more communities across the country recognize Small Business Saturday in a meaningful way that helps drive more business to small businesses.

Is Small Business Saturday something only for American Express Cardmembers or merchants?
No. Small Business Saturday is a national movement to inspire all consumers and communities across the country to support their local small businesses. American Express and more than a dozen organizations are coming together to support the day in different ways. Over time, we hope that more organizations join us in the movement to raise awareness about the importance of supporting small businesses.

How can I learn more about Small Business Saturday?
In addition to this website (www.SmallBusinessSaturday.com), you can find more information and connect with others involved via any of our social media channels, including @AmericanExpress on Twitter and www.facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday.