WASHINGTON, DC— House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) is urging consumers to support their local small companies on Small Business Saturday, a national initiative that marks the Saturday after Thanksgiving as a day to support local businesses around the country.

Graves introduced H.Res. 468in the House last week to express support for the designation of a Small Business Saturday and increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses.

“First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now, Small Business Saturday is an event that drives shoppers to support local, independently-owned merchants.

“America’s small businesses are the engines of job creation and economic growth— responsible for creating over 70 percent of new jobs. And for every $100 spent with locally owned, small business stores, an estimated $68 returns to the community through local taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. But for small businesses to continue being our best economic catalysts— they need our support. Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity for consumers to get their holiday shopping accomplished, while supporting small businesses that will help bolster the economy.”

According to the National Retail Federation, up to 152 million people plan to shop Black Friday weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), more than the 138 million people who planned to do so last year.

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