by: Kate Hodel
 
 
 

Strap on your shopping shoes, the season is right around the corner. This year, make a conscious choice to spend some of your holiday dollars with local merchants. There are so many good reasons to support local business owners. Here are our top five:

1. Your money stays in your community. Locally owned businesses tend to purchase from locally owned businesses.
2. Local business owners tend to donate more to local charities.
3. Unique businesses create character.
4. Environmental impact is reduced.
5. Most new jobs are supplied by local businesses.

Two times to start: Plaid Friday, Nov. 28, the local alternative to Black Friday. Wear plaid and visit a community retailer. And Saturday, Nov. 29, is Small Business Saturday ... pretty self explanatory. 

Content contributed by Kate Hodel, MOSourceLink. MOSourceLink is a proud affiliate of U.S.SourceLink, America's largest resource network for entrepreneurs.