The 10-year tradition of Small Business Saturday falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the day after Black Friday.

The nationwide effort is designed to encourage communities to shop local as the busiest shopping season of the year kicks off.

According to the Lehigh Valley Chamber, so many small businesses report Small Business Saturday is one of the biggest shopping days for them in the entire year, so the Chamber is supporting a virtual version?

“It is our goal to support our Lehigh Valley small businesses during this pandemic and what better way then giving them a day of their own? It’s a day to support your favorite restaurant, boutique, shop, salon, etc. and celebrate shopping local and shopping small,” said Brittany Wiltshire, director of business and Diversity Councils.

Similar to the Gift Card Grab week, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Lehigh Valley Virtual Small Business Saturday on May 30.

“We are here to support local now more than ever,” Executive Vice President Jessica O’Donnell said. “Our small businesses are the backbone of the Lehigh Valley - no question! This special virtual Small Business Saturday is another way we, at The Chamber, are advocating for much needed support throughout our entire Chamber footprint and the communities we serve to buy local and support local!

“Our favorite businesses need our support now more than ever, so we felt creating this awareness would help encourage local community members to show some extra love to avoid seeing businesses permanently close.”

As of May 22, more than 40 businesses have listed how customers can still shop and support them, whether it is through safe distance curbside pickups, gift cards, online sales and many more creative options.

To view the full list of participating businesses for Virtual Small Business Saturday of the Lehigh Valley, visit the Lehigh Valley Chamber’s website at lehighvalleychamber.org/small-business-saturday.html.