In an effort to compete with big corporations like Target and Wal-Mart mom and pop stores around the nation are partaking in “Small Business Saturday.”

The day was created by the American Express Corporation in 2010 to encourage people to shop at locally owned businesses around the country. The company said more than 100-million people participated last year.

Even though big businesses may have reeled in customers with their Black Friday deals, that isn't stopping small business owner Diana Blair from offering a few of her own.

"If we didn't have small business downtown it would be kind of sad because if you look around every business down here is small business," Blair said.

Blair has been operating Blair Furniture Company for 38 years in downtown Macon.

"We're family owned, it's a family tradition, and we look out for our customers," she said.

However, this is her first time participating in "Small Business Saturday." A decision she made in order to support not only her store but other businesses in the area.

"Small business, they're the backbone of the community."

Some small business owners in downtown Macon say they like participating in these nationwide events to remind people to shop locally.

"Anything we can do to help promote other small businesses not just ours in our local economy I think is a good idea," Valor Candles Co-Owner, Johnny Rohrbeck said.

Not only is it about promoting business but owners said it’s about boosting the economy.

"If we can keep the money in Macon, then I think we'll all be a little bit better off, we can feed our families a little better,” Rohrbeck said.

"People should while they're out shopping stop in and shop at their local small business," Blair said.

Some stores like Blair's will be continuing their sales throughout the week.