SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - From Black Friday to Small Business Saturday to Cyber Monday, the weekend after Thanksgiving tends to mark the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. 

But before you place that Amazon order or click "ship now," small businesses encourage you to consider a local store instead. 

"Come on down and support local for many reasons especially economically," said Monica Zanetti, owner of Wild Rose Artisan Boutique. " It really boosts us up and we've been hustling all year." 

According to the US Small Business Administration, dollars spent locally are reinvested into the community 7 to 10 times more than if they are spent online or at a big box store. The SBA says most communities only see a 1% return on online, big box store purchases. 

"Two out of three new jobs are created by small businesses and in the US over 99% of businesses are small, " said Geri Aglipay, the Region Five Great Lakes Administrator for the US Small Business Administration. "The value of small businesses make a tremendous impact on out communities." 

Aglipay says non-profits rely on donations from small businesses, and local sports teams need their sponsorships to stay functional. When you shop small, those businesses are able to continue that support. 

This Small Business Saturday is the kick off of the Downtown Springfield Inc. Holiday Walks. They run from November 25th to December 23rd. On Wednesdays, they happen from 4-8pm and on Saturdays, they happen from 10 am to 8 pm. Local businesses work together to promote the event and encourage shoppers to come out and cross items off their Christmas lists. 

Copyright 2023. WANDTV. All Rights Reserved.Â