Jefferson City will participate in the national Small Business Saturday effort for the fifth year in a row Saturday, Nov. 29.
American Express coined the national program in 2010 on the Saturday after Thanksgiving as a follow-up to the "big box store"-dominated Black Friday to encourage holiday shoppers to support small, locally owned businesses as well.
Jefferson City's program is a joint effort between the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and the east, south and west side business associations. More than 75 retailers citywide - including the downtown, Old Munichburg, west-end and east-end business districts - will offer special deals and discounts as well as a chance to enter a raffle drawing for $500, $250 and $100 gift cards for use at all participating retailers through Christmas.
The city's Small Business Saturday program also offers an added perk for shoppers: free transportation to many participating retailers courtesy of the Trolley Company.
For more information about Small Business Saturday in Jefferson City, including a list of participating retailers and a trolley route map, visit shopsmalljc.com or call Donna Deetz at 573-619-4377.