Turkey, stuffing, family and friends: Thanksgiving is that special time of year when loved ones gather from near and far to share for what and whom they are thankful, all topped off with cranberry sauce and a slice of pie. 

Once the dishes are put away and tryptophan naps are over, thoughts turn to holiday shopping and the one-off deals from Black Friday sales.

Whether or not you brave the madding crowds the day after Thanksgiving, don’t forget to share the love on Small Business Saturday. The day kicks off the holiday shopping season for what is often the most lucrative time of year for local and vital small businesses. Pennsylvania’s 1.1 million locally owned small businesses create two out of three net new jobs and employ 2.6 million people.

When you shop local, you’re putting your money right back into your own towns and neighborhoods. Compared to the big box stores, small businesses put a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy. For every $100 you spend at a locally owned business, roughly $68 stays in your local economy, compared to only $43 from the big guys. 

This means more money for fire departments and parks and recreation services as well as schools and other community-supported infrastructure and services. 

We all know these are things that make our communities a better, safer place to live. You might also be surprised to know that small businesses donate 250 percent more to local nonprofits and community causes than do larger businesses.

Help keep the Small Business Saturday momentum going by shopping small this holiday season or any time of year. And while you’re out shopping small this year, tell us where you’re shopping or dining by using #ShopSmall and #SmallBusinessSaturday on your favorite social media platforms.

To learn more about Small Business Saturday, visit www.sba.gov/saturday. 

John Fleming is the mid-Atlantic regional administrator for the Small Business Administration.