Shop Small 2014 is aiming to make November the biggest shopping month for small businesses following its official launch on Friday.

Founded by American Express to assist small businesses across Australia, the one month campaign begins on November 1. 

“Small business is the engine room of the Australian economy,” Minister for Small Business, Bruce Billson, said at the campaign’s launch.

The launch comes as new report, Australian Attitudes to Small Business, which was commissioned by American Express, found that while 99 per cent of Australians recognise that small businesses are important, only half shop there, more than once a week, causing 70 per cent of small business owners to feel forgotten.

Rachel Stocks, ‎American Express Australia MD, said the aim of Shop Small is to make November the biggest shopping month for small businesses.

“Running a small business isn’t easy, so we should do everything we can to show our support.  We’re asking all Australians to get out and shop in small businesses this November – whether it’s their butcher, baker, or local dress maker – every customer makes a difference,” Stocks said.