It’s not quite as well known as Black Friday. But for small business owners, it’s just as important.

Small Business Saturday is an annual commercial event that is held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving and the day after Black Friday.

Promoted initially by American Express in 2010, this event encourages consumers to contribute to the vitality of their neighborhoods by shopping at local merchants in time for the holidays.

This year’s event will be Nov. 25 and Bainbridge Island merchants are ready. Through the work of the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association, special events are planned throughout the day.

Merchants will open their doors at 10 a.m. to launch the holiday gift-buying season. Start early and enjoy open house specials at local businesses.

Make sure to grab some lunch at one of the many downtown restaurants on Small Business Saturday. Take time to get some complimentary hot chocolate on Madrone Lane from 1 to 3 p.m. And take a horse-drawn carriage ride at Winslow Green.

Stores will be open until 6 p.m., when Bainbridge residents and guests are invited to gather back on Madrone Lane for the annual tree lighting ceremony. Music will be provided by local students from the Bainbridge High School band.

Throughout the holiday shopping season, as you shop downtown on Bainbridge Island, you can also enter to win one of two $1,000 shopping sprees. Youngsters visiting downtown can collect stamps by finding hidden stuffed elves at participating businesses. Those who complete the elf hunt will get a gift.

In these times when it’s way too easy to sit at home and order gifts online, shopping at local businesses is even more important. Giving local merchants your dollars means businesses thrive and employees keep their jobs.

Small businesses constitute a major force in the U.S. economy. There are more than 27 million small businesses in this country, and they generate about 50 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

So, get out your holiday shopping list now and enjoy a wonderful (local) holiday season.