Now’s a great time to support small businesses with your holiday shopping.

Fingercheck is a small business that’s designed to support other small businesses and help them succeed. Our solutions for payroll, benefits and scheduling are meant to give small business owners the tools they need to grow their businesses — and the freedom to spend less time on paperwork and more time doing what they love.

In honor of small businesses everywhere, Fingercheck encourages you to shop with the local stores, restaurants and service providers in your community whenever you can. Small businesses not only provide you and your neighbors with goods and services, but they also put money back into your community by creating jobs and working with local suppliers. For every $1 spent at a small business, approximately 67 cents stays in that business’s local community, according to a 2018 estimate by American Express.

Here are a few suggestions for celebrating small businesses during the holiday season and building relationships with small businesses all year round.

Do your holiday shopping in your community on Small Business Saturday, which is on Nov. 26 this year.

This special shopping day was created to boost the bottom line for small businesses, but it’s also a great opportunity to find unique gifts for your friends and family. Don’t buy the “hot toy of the year” from a giant retailer when you can find a special gift that’s just right for every child (and adult) in your life at a local small business.

Get your morning caffeine at the small shop down the street from your office or place of business.

Sure, you might be familiar with the big chains, but you’re also less likely to find a surprising new blend or tasty pastry at a local cafe. Take a chance and let a small business owner impress you.

Eat locally.

Celebrate special occasions (and lunch Monday through Friday) at restaurants that are owned and staffed by the people who live in your area. You’ll get a delicious meal and personalized attention. You’ll see people you know and meet new people, too.

Look for independent shops and artisans when you’re shopping online.

Small businesses — in your local community and all over the country — sell their products on the internet and ship them straight to your front door. You won’t have to deal with the big box stores, and you can check every item off your list while still wearing your pajamas. Win-win!

Share your love of small businesses.

Tell your friends about your favorite local shops. Recommend that local restaurant with the yummy Red Velvet Cake. Post it online when you find the perfect pair of shoes or get a new haircut and color, so someone else can experience that joy, too. Leave a glowing online review for the plumber who fixed your kitchen sink in time for Thanksgiving dinner or the repair shop that’s kept your car going for 10 years.

Spread the word that local small businesses have so much to offer and they’re right where you are!