Local businesses cannot survive without their customers and the revenue they generate with each sale. These small businesses get support from the generic public and community, but they can also support each other as well.

With that in mind, American Express created Small Business Saturday in 2010, and Nov. 29 marks its fifth year of celebration. Black Friday is all about finding the best deals at major retailers, but the goal of SBS is to support small, local businesses during the holiday shopping season.

"Bigger stores and shopping centers may be convenient, but they will never have the local heart and flavor that a small business has," said Jennifer Slocum, a consumer in Independence, Louisiana. "Small businesses are absolutely vital to the growth of a town and are extremely undervalued."

According to the National Federation of Independent Business, Small Business Saturday generated an estimated $5.7 billion in revenue in 2013, which was a 4 percent increase over the $5.5 billion in 2012. Last year also saw SBS garner the support of 41 state governors, who issued proclamations urging consumers to shop locally.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) suggests maximizing revenue by sponsoring special events like having a photo opportunity with Santa Claus and also making sure your employees are fully engaged in the big event. Small businesses should also extend their hours to accommodate customers and make sure they are fully stocked with items they know will be big sellers.

"These businesses become our bread and butter. They bring in bigger businesses, local revenue and variety," Slocum said. "It takes a lot of heart and soul to open your own business and to put nearly everything you have into making that dream come true."

American Express has released some suggestions for businesses so they can get ready for the big event. Here is a look at how to make Small Business Saturday work for you and your business.

• Create an event and rally: Creating an event is easy by going to sites such as Evite or Eventbrite to create and advertise an event promoting Small Business Saturday. Street fairs, block parties and in-store celebrations are also a good way to make a hit.

• Make a splash: Create special signage, flyers and print bags reminding individuals of Small Business Saturday. Also consider having employees wear buttons or T-shirts with "Save the Date" printed on them.

• Don't forget the net: Small businesses are not only brick-and-mortar stores, but also have websites where customers can find what they need online. Let your customers know that SBS is coming by advertising the date on your website and encourage them to shop online in addition to shopping in your store.

Steve Schollnick, owner of Schollnick Advertising in New Orleans, said he has several clients participating in Small Business Saturday, including a restaurant and a health club. In the last four years, Schollnick has noticed that small New Orleans businesses have gone from about half taking part in SBS to almost 90 percent participation.

"Small Business Saturday enables the consumer to stretch their dollar a bit — a very enlightened concept," Schollnick said. "I fully support Small Business Saturday as a business owner and consumer. Small Business Saturday started out as an event not many people knew about, but it now has endless growing sponsorship."

So after you enjoy the Thanksgiving holidays, head out and support local businesses in your area. After all, Black Friday is not the only shopping holiday around.