Supporting local businesses will earn one shopper an extra $100.

The Downtown Merchants Association and the Crenshaw County Chamber of Commence have partnered to promote Crenshaw County’s first Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29.

Small Business Saturday, which falls between Black Friday and tomorrow’s Cyber Monday, was started by American Express about five years ago to remind holiday shoppers to support small business owners.

American Express will pay card users up to $30 for shopping in local businesses Saturday. Up to three $10 transactions made Saturday will be credited back to the card user.

This will be the first year Crenshaw County businesses will participate in the nationwide campaign. In addition to Small Business Saturday posters and American Express’ $30 transaction reward, members of the Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce will offer a $100 gift certificate to a local business.

“For every $10 you spend in a locally-owned business, you will receive a registration card for the gift certificate,” said local business owner Gary Mitchell. “The more they spend the better chances.”

The registration cards will be available at the businesses and collected Monday, Dec. 1, for the drawing.

Mitchell says this weekend would be do or die for some local businesses.

“I think everybody understands that this Christmas season can be a make or break season, especially for small businesses,” he said. “And this is certainly a great effort to stimulate the local economy.”

Participating businesses will include any locally-owned business in the county with a membership in DMA or Chamber and open for business Saturday. A complete list may be found at www.crenshawcochamber.com or on the Facebook pages of DMA and Chamber.

“We want all of the businesses to thrive,” said Mitchell. “And this is a way to help everyone have a successful season.”