MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Business owners in the Bluff City are encouraging more people to shop small during Small Business Saturday.
Nationwide, millions of people are expected to spend big this weekend, and small businesses are hoping to get a piece of the pie.
Brennan Sandefer is a self-made businessman.
He says he started his business, 901 Deals, while in college several years ago, initially as a fundraiser for St. Jude through Buy, Sell, Trade.
"Without the community supporting me, I wouldn't be able to do what I do," Sandefer explained. "I wouldn't be able to have a business. I wouldn't be able to fundraise."
Sandefer is just one of the many small businesses that participated in the Memphis Grizzlies' 5th annual Grizz Shop Local event at FedExForum for Small Business Saturday.
"The Grizzlies love to support everything Memphis, and we know by supporting our citizens and their businesses, we help Memphis grow," said Jamal Boddie who is Director of Community Engagement for the Memphis Grizzlies.
According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, a record number of 186.9 million people plan to shop during the Thanksgiving weekend.
The survey says that while Black Friday remains the busiest single shopping day, 67 million people are expected to prioritize shopping at locally owned businesses on Saturday.
"It starts here. It starts with the community," said Dericka Jordan. "So, when you get out, and you patronize our businesses, you help grow and you help get an audience larger than where we are."
Jordan is the CEO of Flawless&Brwn which is an organic skin care brand.
She says she makes all of her products herself.
"I was a single mom, and I was going through postpartum," Jordan explained. "I wanted to find some products that spoke to my story, and I didn't see one. So, I created it."
Business owners say that while the holiday weekend is a chance to grow their business, it's also a chance to build community and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
"Nobody's holding you back except for yourself," said Sandefer. "If you find a community to support you, it takes a village to raise up a child. Let this be your mind child."