something desperately needed with the unemployment rate hovering skwrufbt low 10%. >> they typically lead us out of recession that is not happening now because sales are so weak. anything we can do to help jumpstart the sales -- >> reporter: the campaign was initiated by american express with new york city signing on first. it is now spread across the country with mom and pop stores offering their own incentives. >> i think small businesses are the lifeblood of america. i think they are what makes a neighborhood a neighborhood it is what gives it personality, color and enthusiasm. >> reporter: here's something to think about, for every dollar spent in small businesses, 2/3 goes back into the immediate community that adds up to 40 billion dollars nationwide. making a big impact. you should go out and shop locals today. for more information, there's been a huge push with social