Today is Small Business Saturday. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses that their community thrives on.

American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors in order to continue prospering and building the local economy in Framingham

Last year, 100 million people nationwide participated in Small Business Saturday by shopping at locally owned stores to help boost the economy and their communities.

We asked Framingham Patch readers which small business in Framingham can you not live without. Here's what they had to say:

Melanie Goddard told Patch "Robinson's Hardware - Benjamin Moore paints, key cutting, and every little thing I need at the last minute (like the hooks to connect Christmas lights to the gutters!) and the nicest, most helpful staff! The 400 Club for a romantic dinner (and a great pizza). J&M Diner - for a terrific breakfast."

Phil Reitz posted "Centre Music House! The quintessential small business that not only sells an array of musical instruments, but also complements it with a complete array of quality musical instruction on every instrument at every level! Their friendly staff do everything and anything to make customers (though one feels more like a neighbor than a customer) feel comfortable and 'at home'."

Chessie potsed "J&M Diner always has a great breakfast, and, of course, there's Wild Ruby gifts next door. If you haven't been to both, you're missing gems!"

Paul Gillin posted on Patch "Automatic Appliance. Fast, friendly service and they always put the customer first. I've bought all my appliances from them for the last five years and will continue to do so as long as I live in the area."

Brenda Crawshaw told us "Wild Ruby for the perfect gift for anyone from someone you love to someone you have never met. Computer Care Associates for when you are about to throw your computer OUT THE WINDOW! Anastasia's Oven and Grille for EXCELLENT pizza and delicious chicken kebabs. Panache Coffee for an outstanding cappucino and comfy space. NMTW Community Credit Union for service that you can't find at any other financial institution ANYWHERE. Framingham Baking Co for flaky buttery not-to-sweet croissants and tender, melt in your mouth Amaretti cookies. Whimsy Arts and Crafts for the perfect thing to do with kids and adults no matter what the age, ability or weather outside. Bedrock Comics for outstanding service and guidance for us moms who don't know whether or not something is appropriate for our kids. Acapulcos for the best Chili con Queso and fish tacos. The Artistic Edge Hair Salon for a cut and color like none other!"

Food small businesses were very popular on our Framingham Patch Facebook page, too

Shannon Dobson told us Panache Coffee. "Best coffee ever," he added.

Silka Pokorny Hermeling told us Prisms Hair Design Studio. "Lee and Faryn are color masters," she said.

Lee Gagen told us "Sunday breakfast at CJ's and pizza from Gianni's."

Kathryn Wozniak told Patch "J & M Diner! Love them for either breakfast or lunch!"

You can also “like” Small Business Saturday on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/shopsmall.

Everyone has locally-owned businesses in their community, and shopping on Small Business Saturday is the perfect way to give back to the businesses you know and love in your community.