Small Business Saturday is a campaign to promote local companies and stores. It's the day after Black Friday to get residents shopping at local stores.

When shoppers spend money at local businesses, almost half of that money is reinvested back into the state.

Thomas Barr with Local First Arizona said, “We know that for every $100 you spend at a locally owned business in Arizona, $45 stays and recirculates in our community. That same $100 spent at a national chain only $13 remains here."

He says small businesses make up about 98% of all firms in Arizona and represent thousands of employees across the state.

There is a growing interest in locally owned businesses across the state.

“We’re getting roughly 80,000 searches every month for locally owned businesses across Arizona so we know that people are seeking them out, whether they’re trying to get a cup of coffee or seek out a local movie theater or find something to purchase for their family and friends," Barr said. 

Barr says shopping at local businesses doesn’t just help the state's economy, shoppers also make personal connections with the business owners as well.