Every time you shop at Ruby Lou Clothing Boutique or have breakfast at Guru Donuts, you're helping a Boise small business.  And with Small Business Saturday coming up tomorrow, you'll be part of what could be the single biggest day of the year for them.

Small Business Saturday is a national movement that got started in 2010 when American Express was looking for a way to help small businesses get more customers.  It's held each year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, and over the past nine years, it's brought in an insane $103 billion for local businesses.

For some mom and pop shops in the Treasure Valley, it's been an infusion of cash that's been the difference between staying afloat and going under.  For other small businesses here, it's been the windfall they've needed to reach the goals they've set and to get to the next level with product launches and customer reach.  All of it helps the Treasure Valley economy.

At some point on Saturday, we're all encouraged to shop at a small, independently-owned retailer or dine at a small, independently-owned restaurant.  And use #ShopSmall and #SmallBizSat on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The Downtown Boise Association is planning to give away five $100 gift cards to shoppers who get passports stamped at participating businesses.  You can grab a passport at any participating business (or print one HERE) and visit a minimum of 8 businesses for a chance to win.  Just drop off your stamped passport at Rediscovered Books at 180 N. 8th Street to qualify.

Some of the Boise businesses participating in Small Business Saturday:

Atomic Treasures - 10% off everything in the shop on Saturday.

Bandanna Running & Walking - 25% discount on shoes, apparel, and accessories.

Barbarian Brewing - They're releasing The Morrigan and Elixir of the Gods, and they'll have both seasonal barrel-aged beers on draft and in 500ml bottles.

Boise Boba Tea - For every $25.00 gift card purchase you get a free t-shirt.  All drinks are buy-one-get-one 50% off.

Calle 75 Street Tacos - They'll be debuting new brunch items, featuring mimosas, micheladas, the Ultimate Bloody Mary and pour-over coffee from Ironside Roasting.

Capital City Public Market -  The Grove Plaza will host over 60 local vendors from 10:30-2:30 selling unique, Idaho made, handcrafted items.

Flying M Coffeehouse - Spend over $50 in the gift shop and get a custom made pair of Flying M socks for free (a $12.25 value).

Guru Donuts - Free donut with your purchase for the first 50 customers. They'll also offer a $25 gift card for $20, and a $50 gift card for $40, plus have 25% off merchandise.

JD's Bodega - Free popcorn with a purchase of $10 or more.

Lemon Tree Co. - They'll have $1.00 off all sandwiches, lemonades, beers, and wines, and 2 for 1 on select beers.  Other local vendors will team up with them for extra treats.

Mixed Greens Modern Gifts - Get 20% off one item, treats, coffee, free Small Biz Saturday bags while they last, and giveaways with a $50 purchase.

Molly's Healthy Pet Food Market - Save 15% on pet food, treats, toys, beds, and more.

Re-Pop Gifts - They'll have free tote bags with any purchase while supplies last. Spend $25 or more and get their exclusive Boise Bigfoot enamel pin. Spend $50 or more and also get the exclusive Boise travel mug.

Robert Comstock - Everything in the store will be 50% Off.

Ruby Lou Clothing Boutique - 25% off Tribal Sportswear and 20% off Holiday decor and all shoes.

Sage Yoga & Wellness - Up to 20% off select items in the boutique.

SHIFT boutique - 20% the entire store and purchases over $50 will get a free tote, while supplies last.

Several other businesses will have deals too.  Just check HERE before you head out to shop.

American Express says fewer small businesses are opening and staying
open, and to be successful requires an abundance of grit, passion, and determination. Treasure Valley businesses definitely have that!  And Small Business Saturday is a great chance to show them some love and appreciation.

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