Local officials were out on Arthur Avenue today to promote Small Business Saturday.

Councilman Mark Gjonaj and the commissioner of the city's Department of Small Business Services, Gregg Bishop, were given a tour of some local shops by the Belmont Business Improvement District.

The day is meant to promote shopping locally during the holiday season but also serves as an opportunity for business owners to learn about free resources available to help them.

The owner of one business that has been around the area for almost 100 years says he is grateful for the recognition.

"It's nice that the city shows its appreciation of small businesses and takes the time to recognize that we are a viable part of the city," says Salvatore Biancardi of Biancardi's Meats.

The city says 20 to 30 percent of the revenues of most small businesses nationwide are earned this month.