Shop Locally in Smithfield on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24

Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses that their community thrives on.

American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked.

With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors in order to continue prospering and building the local economy in Smithfield.

Deb Ramos, President of the North Central Chamber of Commerce — which covers Smithfield, Johnston, North Providence, Scituate, Foster and Glocester — pointed to her own experience in explaining her perspective on the role of small businesses.

Her father, Bobby Rizzo, ran Best Beauty Supply in Johnston and Cranston for many years, and her husband, Norman, is owner of DEBNOR Flooring Contractor in Greenville.

"My passion for supporting small business comes from my father being a local businessman, so I grew up my whole life having a self-employed parent; my husband is self-employed; and here, running the Chamber is like running a small business, as well," said Ramos. "Also, Rhode Island is such a small community that everybody knows someone who owns a small business — because of the type of community we live in, it makes it even more important to support our small businesses."

This year, Ramos said the Chamber is offering discounts on advertising on the Chamber's website for new and existing members — here's the deal:

• Existing members get a three-month free advertising package [worth $225] for referring a new business the Chamber and completing the Chamber's online membership form on Saturday.
• The new member will receive a free one-month ad [worth $100] on the Chamber's website, as well.

To be eligible, the existing member needs to send an email on Saturday to: info@ncrichamber.com with the new member's company name and confirming that they have completed the online registration.

Ramos said she'll follow up next week for those who sign up.

Call (401) 349-4674 for more information.

Also on Saturday, the Chamber is hosting a "Shopping Shuttle" that will bring shoppers to small businesses in the area and provide a light lunch — all for $10. Click here to learn more.

Find Participating Smithfield Businesses:

Last year, 100 million people nationwide participated in Small Business Saturday by shopping at locally owned stores to help boost the economy and their communities.

Smithfield businesses who are participating this year include Effin's Last Resort, The Music Stand, and A & W Tire & Service. 

Find all of the participating Smithfield businesses here:

https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/Shop-Small/ 

You can also “like” Small Business Saturday on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/shopsmall.

Everyone has locally owned businesses in their community, and shopping on Small Business Saturday is the perfect way to give back to the businesses you know and love in your community.

SmithfieldPatch Asks You: What small businesses do you patronize in your town and what makes them great? Share in the comments below.