When it comes to the Saturday after Black Friday, “think local” is on everyone’s mind.

“Small businesses are the engine of our economy,” Daniel Nordberg with U.S. Small Business Administration said. “Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity for consumers to kick off the busy holiday season.”

Shoppers from all across the state made their way to Manitou Springs for Small Business Saturday, shopping throughout the town’s dozens of shops and restaurants.

“It’s the healthy exchange,” Gustavo Muniz, owner of BelaTerra Creations, said. “The community supports small businesses and the business provides the community with value.”

“Remember the small people, because we’re lots of fun and you can find lots of cool things,” said Mary Ellen Connell with Mountain West Trading.

According to SBA, for every dollar spent on supporting a family-owned business, 68 cents goes back to the community.

1.1 million small business employees call Colorado home, with nearly 99.5 percent of the state’s businesses being locally owned.

“Over 100 million Americans participated in Small Business Saturday and we’re hoping this year we can match that and exceed that,” Nordberg said.