According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there were nearly 28 million small businesses in the United States last year.  Over the past two decades, they created 65 percent of new jobs. These businesses have helped to not only boost employment, but they helped to sustain the economy and may ultimately hold the key to economic renewal.

It is predicted that small businesses will continue to grow over the next few years, but with limited budgets, they suffer when trying to compete with larger corporations in the areas of marketing and advertising. Most of these businesses rely on advertising on a smaller scale and viral marketing to increase sales. As a result, a new initiative was created to address this demanding issue.

American Express OPEN, the 3/50 Project and a host of partners have launched Small Business Saturday, a day for consumers to rally around the local businesses they care about. Traditionally, Black Friday is set aside for big box retailers and Cyber Monday was created for e-tailers, leaving small, independently owned businesses out in the cold. Now, small businesses will have an opportunity to gain additional revenue during the holidays as well.

This national movement to drive shoppers to local business across the United States will take place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 27th. More than a dozen advocacy, public, and private organizations are joining American Express OPEN, the company’s small business unit, with this initiative and so can you.

Small Business Owners can sign up at http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday and will receive a $100 Facebook advertising credit to assist to build online buzz that can help drive customers to spend at their businesses on Small Business Saturday. Supplies of advertising inventory for this offer are limited so sign up now. See complete details at the link above. Also, be sure to download promotional materials and a number of social media tools to promote your business on the inaugural Small Business Saturday this November 27th.

Consumers can visit http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday where you can “like” Small Business Saturday and syndicate news feeds about the day to your personal, virtual networks. There, you can also spread the word about the day and your favorite businesses by giving a shout-out to your favorite local shops and restaurants via Facebook and Twitter. Girls Incorporated, a national non-profit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, will also benefit. The organization has been chosen as the sole charity partner. From November 8-27, each time you “like” Small Business Saturday on Facebook, American Express will donate $1—up to $500,000—to Girls Inc. to teach and empower young women to be the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.