NEW YORK – More than 2,000 communities are planning to celebrate Small Business Saturday — November 29 — this holiday season.

Now in its fifth year, American Express created Small Business Saturday to support the small businesses that create jobs and boost the economy. Since its inception, Small Business Saturday has served as the ceremonial kickoff to the busy holiday shopping season for independently owned businesses.

Just as important, it has driven high visibility and appreciation for the unique role that small businesses play in local communities. In 2013, consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday reported spending $5.7 billion with independent merchants on the day, an increase of 3.6% from the previous year.

The Neighborhood Champion program was created to help inspire communities to participate in the day and support local Small Business Saturday celebrations throughout the country. To become part of the program prospective Neighborhood Champions were required to share their plans to bring together at least 10 businesses in their community to recognize the day and commit to serve as ambassadors, encouraging friends and family to shop small.

To date, more than 2,000 Neighborhood Champions from every state and the District of Columbia have signed up to celebrate Small Business Saturday in 2014. A snapshot of 2014 Neighborhood Champion events include:

• A regional “shopping tour” highlighting different shopping districts in Portland, OR;
• A fashion show featuring merchandise from local businesses in Hollidaysburg, PA;
• A block party with giveaways and live music in Starke, FL;
• A tree lighting ceremony and chili cook-off in Idaho Falls, ID;
• A holiday festival with horse-drawn carriage rides and visits from Santa in McKinney, TX.

Small business owners can take advantage of exclusive offers from Small Business Saturday Premier Partners — Eventbrite, FedEx, Microsoft and Yelp — to help promote their businesses and their events on November 29.