Black Friday is known for drawing crowds of eager shoppers to big-box stores, but smaller shops use Small Business Saturday to promote the idea of supporting local retailers and keeping holiday spending in the community. Small Business Saturday takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving and was started by American Express in 2010 to draw attention to small and family-owned businesses on the busiest shopping weekend of the year, said Small Business Saturday spokeswoman Nicole Reyhle. Last year, the event generated $16.2 billion dollars in retail sales nationwide, up from $14.3 billion in 2015, she said. Businesses that participate in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26 can receive promotional materials from American Express. Businesses do not have to accept American Express credit cards to use the posters, signs and other promotional items. Businesses are also using several social media hashtags for the event, including #shopsmall. A number of small businesses in the south Houston area will be participating on Saturday. Here are a few listed on the American Express Small Business Saturday website: Katy Alicia's Mexican Grill Restaraunt 25725 I-10, Katy 281-347-1800 Saturday hours: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. The Cottage Door Gift Shop 1001 Avenue B, Katy 281-391-1222 Saturday hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Amber's Designs Jewelry Store 722 Pin Oak Road, Ste. 102, Katy 281-391-6333 Saturday hours: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Missouri City Bomir Foods Market 13207 Staffort Road, Ste. 300, Missouri City 281-261-5160 Saturday hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nations Auto Care Automotive 111 Present Street, Missouri City 281-499-2311 Saturday hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Richmond The Lone Star Saloon Restaurant 102 S. 3rd Street, Richmond 281-238-0960 Saturday hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Mattress Overstock Mattress Store 821 E. Hwy. 90A, Richmond 281-232-9250 Saturday hours: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Seewees Travel by Jackie Travel agency 611 Jackson Street, Ste. 1, Richmond 281-342-6892 Sugar Land Indian Spices & Snacks Market 7320 Hwy. 90A, Ste. 100, Sugar Land 281-313-4500 Saturday hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Aki Steak & Sushi Restaurant 510 Hwy. 6, Ste. 180, Sugar Land 281-565-1110 Saturday hours: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Find all local business participating in Small Business Saturday on the American Express Small Business Saturday website.