First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now, Small Business Saturday can drive shoppers to small businesses across the country as we enter the holiday season, and you can be instrumental to its success.

Small Business Saturday was launched last year as a nationwide event to drive shoppers to local, independently-owned merchants. Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in response to small business owners' most pressing need: creating more demand for their products and services. 1.5 million Facebook users, 130 public and private organizations, and 41 elected officials declared their support last year. 100,000 small businesses downloaded marketing materials, and 10,000 businesses signed up for free Facebook advertising.

Small Business Saturday is now a national initiative that marks a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. More than 200 partners are working together to build on the success of last year's event that drove millions of dollars to small businesses. This year, it falls on November 26.

You can play a critical role in raising the awareness of Small Business Saturday and providing support for the small businesses in your community. Help share messaging through your communication channels, including newsletters, email, website and social media by using the following tools to help you communicate:

• Small Business Saturday Logo
• Small Business Saturday Website Banners
• Small Business Saturday Links
• Sample Press Release
• Sample Email Messages
• Employee/Constituent Memo Template
• Sample Social Media Messages
• Small Business statistics
• Information on how small businesses can get involved in Small Business Saturday

You can lead the effort in your community by getting the word out to small businesses about the tools available to help promote their businesses. Small business owners can go to facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday to download online promotional materials that will help them drive sales to their business on Small Business Saturday.

Show your support for local small businesses by leading the Small Business Saturday efforts in your community. Engage the small businesses to participate and encourage consumers to Shop Small on November 26!

Shane Berry
Senior Vice President, National Client Group
American Express