By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

To help promote local entrepreneurs and area small businesses, state Rep. Frank Mautino is encouraging residents to participate in the sixth annual Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28.

Small Business Saturday occurs during one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year and is designed to help small businesses compete with larger chains. A survey conducted by the National Federation of Independent Business found that consumers spent $14.3 billion on Small Business Saturday in 2014. Countless studies show that dollars spent at small businesses are more likely to remain in local communities, with consumer dollars helping to provide jobs for local residents and tax revenue helping support area schools and infrastructure.

For more information on which area businesses are participating in Small Business Saturday, residents can visit http://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small.