Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year, but while small businesses opened for those shoppers Friday, it's Saturday they are gearing up for.

  • Small Business Saturday was created by American Express
  • Local businesses hosting events, trying to promote local over big stores

Dozens of entrepreneurs at Artegon Marketplace in Orlando are encouraging people to shop local on Small Business Saturday.

Todd Fisher owns Gods and Monsters at the marketplace. He explains the importance of supporting local businesses like his comic and toy store.

“It’s people chasing their dream. It’s like, we’re just a mom and pop shop," Fisher said. "This all started as an idea, and you’ve got these little entrepreneurs out there that are trying to make something special happen.”

Small Business Saturday was started for locally owned stores just like his.

“It draws focus to those mom and pop shops all around the world that are kind of struggling every day to make it happen,” Fisher said.

Other local shops like Dechoes Resale in College Park are ready to welcome customers.

“Small Business Saturday is a very personal thing to a community like College Park because 95 percent of our businesses in College Park are locally owned by local business owners, many who live in our community,” said Andrea Kudlacz, executive director of College Park Partnership.

Local neighborhoods and shops

Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010, and offers small businesses tips and materials to help promote the holiday. In 2015 95 million people shopped on Small Business Saturday.

American Express has a list of small business champions for 2016.

The map below shows those local champions.

Also, more cities and counties are showcasing "Main Street" areas. Orlando's Main Street Program began in 2008 to spotlight neighborhood commercial districts like College Park, Thornton Park and the Milk District. To find a list of those districts, head to the Main Street Program website. You'll find websites for each district, along with events for Small Business Saturday.