WAILUKU – The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development last week announced its inaugural campaign to support local businesses on “Small Business Saturday,” Nov. 26, 2016.

Originally created as a national initiative by American Express, intended to encourage shoppers to support small retailers during the holiday season, the County of Maui is the first countywide effort in Hawaii to proudly promote “Small Business Saturday.”

The day after “Black Friday,” “Small Business Saturday” features small businesses island-wide that are offering giveaways, promotions, discounts, prizes and other specials.

“More than 96 percent of all businesses in Hawaii are locally owned small businesses, so we felt it was important to urge our entire community to shop small this holiday season,” said Teena Rasmussen, director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. “Our local small businesses contribute to a vibrant economy by employing local residents and purchasing many locally made products.”

To emphasize the impacts of this initiative, Mayor Alan Arakawa recently issued a proclamation for Nov. 26, 2016 as “Small Business Saturday” in Maui County. With his proclamation, Mayor Arakawa stated that “when you buy small, our economy wins big.” He encouraged everyone to “support small businesses, because by doing so you also support our neighbors, friends and families, as well as keep our local dollars circulating right here in Maui County.”

Shoppers are encouraged to visit all of Maui County’s small towns to support local small businesses. Some highlights to consider:

On “Small Business Saturday,” post a photo of your shop small excursion and hashtag #shopsmallmaui, #shopmaui and #shopsmall for your chance to win a goodie bag of local products and gift certificates from your favorite local stores. Prizes include a $500 gift certificate to Peter Lik Gallery, a gift basket from Native Intelligence, a hat from Pome Maui and more.

Follow @shopsmallmaui on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to view special deals, promotions and events happening on Nov. 26.

If you are a merchant and would like to be included in social media promotions, send an e-mail to ashley@saedesign.com and register your business at www.shopsmall.com.

If you are an American Express cardholder, you can register your card at www.americanexpress.com to receive two times the rewards now through Dec. 31, 2016.