Everything from local jewelry stores to fitness clubs to co-working spaces are offering a deal on Small Business Saturday, organized for the second straight year by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.

This Saturday, the day after the official holiday-season buying spree kicks off on Black Friday, dozens of local shops will be offering special deals. Some places will offer discounts, while others are giving away hot drinks and other items.

The idea took off in 2010 when American Express launched the first celebration of small business shopping between the traditional buying kickoff and Cyber Monday, when online retailers get in on the act.

"Initiatives like Small Business Saturday are critical to supporting our region's small business community," Tony Sheridan, president and chief executive of the local chamber, said in a statement. "When small businesses do well, everybody succeeds."

Sheridan said every local resident should go out and buy at least one present at a local business on Saturday.

"The dollars spent with small businesses remain local in our communities and provide good jobs for our residents, and provide necessary funding for our fire and police departments, parks and municipal resources," he said.

To lure shoppers, many small enterprises hold one-day-only sales, plan giveaways and advertise special deals.

Toolkits promoting the event were offered by the chamber to both member and nonmember businesses. The kit included fliers, posters, coupons and signage as well as proposed Facebook and Twitter messages.

"Throughout early November, chamber staff visited central business districts throughout eastern Connecticut to personally visit small businesses and drop off copies of the toolkit, free of charge," according to a news release.

New London Main Street personnel helped out in downtown New London.

A page on the chamber website collected all of the information on businesses offering Small Business Saturday deals, then converted it to print and digital newsletters, social media sites and email blasts.

The work paid off, as at least 56 businesses got involved in the promotion this year compared with only 35 the year before. Entertainment and refreshments are offered at some establishments, and participants can be found at www.ChamberECT.com or on social media using the hashtag #SmallBizSat.

In addition, the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a holiday bazaar from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Holiday Inn Norwich. The event will feature dozens of crafters and vendors, along with photos with Santa from 10 to 11:45 a.m.

l.howard@theday.com