MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Small Business Saturday brings holiday fun by bringing communities together to support some of their favorite small businesses.

American Express values the importance of small businesses and their impact on communities and created Small Business Saturday in the middle of the 2010 recession.

Since its inception, Small Business Saturday spending has reached an estimate value of $103 million.

The American shopping holiday is held every year on the last Saturday in November after Thanksgiving to get people to shop and support small businesses during the holidays. This year will be the holiday's 10th annual year.

Kellie's Consignments, a consignment shop located in Okemos, is one of these businesses. Their Founder and CEO, Kellie Johnson, expressed how the shopping holiday helps support these kinds of businesses.

"Small businesses, in my opinion, are what help the local economy and keeps people working. This is when we all make the most of our money."

Johnson also explained that Small Business Saturday is economically beneficial and helps these businesses grow into the next year.

Residents also sign up as Neighborhood Champions to organize events and activities to gather support, as well as other businesses, nonprofit trade groups, municipalities and public officials.

Other ways you can show support is spreading the word, contacting any small businesses in you area and distributing any Shop Small merchandise.