Matthew Burnette, Staff Writer

Sandwiched between the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and the at-home shopping experience of Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday offers communities the chance to support their small, locally owned businesses.

Established by American Express as a way to encourage people to shop at local businesses during the holiday season, Small Business Saturday, which falls on Nov. 29, also happens to share a day with another annual Manchester tradition.

“It’s always the same day as the Manchester Christmas Parade, so it allows our community to celebrate Manchester by supporting a local business during the day and enjoying the evening parade and Christmas tree lighting that night,” said Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katy Riddle.

To celebrate Small Business Saturday this year, the Chamber has debuted a Shop Small contest.

“People who want to enter can purchase an item from a local store or restaurant, post a pic on Facebook with #shop37355, and tag the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce,” explained Riddle. “We are giving away a $100 Manchester Gift Card that can be used at a multitude of local businesses and a gift basket filled with local goodies.”

In addition to shopping at local small businesses, community members can also support them by sharing a social media post, encouraging others to go there, or posting a positive review.

Riddle noted that a majority of businesses locally and nationally are small businesses, and that that’s one of the many reasons that the Manchester community is “so great.”

“We have the chance to do business with our friends and neighbors on a regular basis,” she said. “These businesses not only contribute to the economy, but they are also the ones that sponsor sports teams and donate to countless charities.”

“Small businesses are woven into the fabric of our community,” she added. “They contribute so much more than a service or a storefront. They connect us, serve us, and we’re lucky to have them!”