Local communities celebrate Small Business Saturday

Columbia and Jefferson City officials are urging locals to shop small Saturday, after trying to get the holiday deals at the larger retailers Black Friday.

Hundreds of locally owned businesses are participating in Small Business Saturday, which was created by American Express in 2010.

The Downtown Columbia Community Improvement District supports more than 600 locally owned businesses, and many of those will be hosting in-store events, special promotions, deals and more.

For every dollar spent at a locally owned business in Columbia, 67 cents will stay in the community.

In Jefferson City, 21 local businesses will participate in Small Business Saturday, and others will be sponsoring those businesses to help.

A trolley service will be offering free rides around the local shops and shoppers have a chance to win three gift certificates ranging from $100 to $250.

The trolley rides will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.