Shop In NYC On Small Business Saturday

NEW YORK, NY — Sandwiched between the commercial craze of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday, an effort to boost holiday spending at local businesses. Thousands of New York City shops will be among the many across the nation participating in the initiative, which American Express started in 2010.

Some 112 million people nationwide took to their local stores on the Saturday after Thanksgiving last year, generating $15.4 billion for participating shops, according to American Express.

Small businesses make up a huge part of New York City's economy — about 88 percent of the city's businesses have 20 or fewer employees, according to a 2013 report from the city Economic Development Corporation.

Many stores throughout the five boroughs will be celebrating Saturday with sales and giveaways. Below are some events to inspire your local-business love — but you'll likely find some great deals just by walking down the block. Check out this Small Business Saturday map to find participating shops near you.

Making New York: Small Business Saturday & Weekend Market

This pop-up market of local vendors offers a preview of the Holiday Handmade Cavalcade, which comes to Brooklyn in December. New York City-based crafters will also offer deals on etsy.com. More info here.

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25

Where: Brooklyn Art Library, 28 Frost St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn

#ShopMyrtle On Small Business Saturday

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is boosting its participating businesses along the north Brooklyn thoroughfare. The partnership will be giving out freebies and prizes at its Small Business Saturday booth in Clinton Hill. More info here.

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26

Where: Corner of Myrtle and Clinton Avenues, Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

Small Business Saturday In Second Avenue

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce is offering a Small Business Saturday "Passport," which offers shoppers a "buy-more-save-more" program and exclusive discounts at local stores. More info here.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25

Where: Lester's, 1534 Second Ave., Manhattan

Small Business Saturday In Long Island City

The LIC Partnership is working with more than 50 Long Island City businesses that will each offer a unique Small Business Saturday promotion. The partnership will also hand out free tote bags at three different welcome stations. More info here.

When: Throughout Saturday, Nov. 25

Where: Various locations in Long Island City

Black-Owned Small Business Saturday

Apparel company B Pretty Inc. is hosting this Brooklyn event featuring sales, giveaways and seminars from black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. It aims to offer New Yorkers a chance to support black-owned businesses and raise awareness about them the week after Small Business Saturday. More info here.

When: 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Black Lady Theatre, 750 Nostrand Ave., Crown Heights, Brooklyn.

(Lead image via Shutterstock)