Today is Small Business Saturday. I know, I know it sounds cheesy, but it represents something profoundly important. One of the most basic ways to show your commitment to your neighborhood is to shop at local businesses. Many local businesses rely on the holiday season to get by.

Why shop local? Your money stays here. Local businesses contribute to more local causes. Our friends and neighbors have invested their lives in these businesses. The public benefits outweigh the public costs. More practically, you can avoid the long lines of the big stores and you don’t even have to get in your car.

Here are some special opportunities to show your support for a local business today.

Baltimore Pet Shoppe (45th & Baltimore) – 3-year-anniversary sale, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Refreshments for people and pets as well as tons of awesome 3 year deals.

Earth Cup Coffee (45th & Pine) – a special running for Gift Certificate Special. Buy $10 Gift certificate for $9, $20 for 18. $30 for $27, $40 for $36 and $50 for $45.

Cafe Rue 52 (52nd & Larchwood) – Just Cookies will hold a tasting event for Small Business Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

VIX Emporium (50th & Baltimore) – Open an extra hour today, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (also 12 – 4 p.m. tomorrow). Get a free tote with a purchase of $50.09 or more. Warm cider for all!