Geared to the start of the holiday shopping season and coming on the heels of Black Friday blowouts at national big-box retailers, the sole focus of the day is to encourage consumers to shop at locally owned and operated enterprises and thereby contribute to the myriad benefits that practice produces.

American Express began Small Business Saturday in 2010, and in 2011, the U.S. Small Business Administration wisely joined in as a sponsoring partner. This year’s observance once again provides opportunities galore for consumers to shop and support a hodgepodge of small businesses, which the SBA rightly terms “the engines of the economy.”

Just how powerful are those engines?

Independent businesses create about two-thirds of private sector jobs, according to the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, a nonprofit that advocates building strong local economies. Every $10 million of spending at local businesses creates 57 jobs, whereas the same spending at Amazon or other national or international retailers creates 14 jobs at the mega business, the organization reports. In addition, local independent businesses are responsible for the bulk of economic growth, employing about 77 million Americans and thereby enhancing economic stability in communities large and small.

Other perks flow from shopping locally as well.

Small businesses support the communities they serve much more lavishly than large national or global retailers. A University of Central Oklahoma study found that small businesses assist community groups and nonprofits 250 percent more than large-scale retailers. In our community, that trend is clearly evident. Locally owned and operated businesses sponsor youth sports teams, contribute to local food banks, organize cleanup efforts, underwrite community concerts, fundraisers and special events. In short, community betterment is big business for small businesses.

And, on top of all those great selling points to shop small, the experience itself is likely to be better, as shoppers will be dealing with employees who are far more likely to be genuinely knowledgeable and helpful, and customer service most often is a relatively hassle- free experience. That’s because independent business owners typically are inclined to go the extra mile for their customers and are personally invested in the services and products they are selling.

Clearly, Small Business Saturday has come a long way since its humble beginnings 15 years ago. It’s grown to become an integral part of the opening act of the holiday shopping experience across the nation.

But there’s no good reason for consumers to consider the observance a one-and-done deal. After all, one day – even one tremendously successful day – will not keep a local business in the black for the long haul. That’s why savvy shoppers should view Small Business Saturday as just the starting point for patronage and sustained support of these high-powered engines of the economy all year long.