Today is the 7th annual Small Business Saturday and with many businesses in Minnesota offering big deals, there's plenty of money to be saved!

It's often been said that small business is the economic driver of the American economy.  In 2010, American Express began the initiative to help small businesses drive more consumers.  While consumers were shopping "small" they were making a big difference on local communities.  In order to get people to act, American Express offered more rewards points for purchases made with their cards on "Small Business Saturday" and businesses often helped by giving discounts and specials to American Express customers.  Today (Saturday November 26th, 2016) is a great day to shop small in South East Minnesota!

Below are some special discounts in Rochester to check out.

  • Friends Bookstore - 101 2nd St. SE Rochester - Everything in store is 50% off.
  • Tangerine at Wildflowers - 110 1st Ave SW Rochester - Free tote bag with any purchase.
  • Exquisite Leather and Luggage - (2) Peace Plaza and 3rd St Rochester - Gift with purchase ($100 minimum).
  • Hers - Shops at University Square Rochester - Take a photo booth strip at Shops at University Square, show it to Hers, make a purchase of $75+, and get a FREE Minnesota Home T-Shirt.

The Rochester Downtown Alliance has another incentive for you to shop "small" and spread the word.  Learn more here.

#ShopSmall Selfie Contest

Show your support on Small Business Saturday with selfies at local businesses and be entered to win a $100 gift card to a downtown small business of your choice!

How to play:

  • Visit any downtown Rochester small business on Small Business Saturday, Nov 26

  • Take a photo or selfie (at the business)

  • Post it online and tag us on Facebook at DowntownRochesterMN, on Twitter at @DowntownRochMN, and/or Instagram at @DowntownRochesterMN

  • Use the hashtag #ShopSmall

  • Multiple posts/submissions welcome! Actually, it's encouraged.

The people at American Express want you to help spread the love for shopping "small" and local too.  Get more here.

Last year, millions of consumers showed their love for independent businesses on Small Business Saturday. This year is no different. American Express is asking consumers to join in on making the day bigger than ever for small businesses by sharing their experiences on social media. Anyone can join the conversation and spread the Shop Small message to their family, friends and online followers by using the hashtags #ShopSmall, #SmallBizSat and #DineSmall.

More From KFIL