ILSR’s Independent Business Initiative produces a wealth of research, articles, model policies, and how-to resources. Here are a few highlights: The Hometown Advantage Bulletin Sign...
In an exciting new development for the local economy movement, seven independent business organizations have come together to launch the Advocates for Independent Business (AIB),...
State data reveal that Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and others offer such low pay and benefits that many of their employees rely on public assistance,...
Not having to charge sales tax fueled Amazon’s growth for nearly 20 years. While it’s impossible not to see the company as a horse that’s...
Cities where small, locally owned businesses account for a relatively large share of the economy have stronger social networks, more engaged citizens, and better success...
Stacy Mitchell, director of ILSR’s Independent Business Initiative, Discusses the Bill’s Impact … Read More
In response to the reintroduction of the Marketplace Fairness Act in the U.S. Senate today, Stacy Mitchell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance released the...
In this TEDx talk, Stacy Mitchell makes the case for a new phase in the local economy movement.… Read More
Here’s a look at six small business issues at stake in next month’s federal and state elections, including bank reform, corporate tax advantages, getting corporate...
A critical function of our banking system is financing small businesses. But big banks are doing a rotten job of it. At the nation’s largest...
Although they control only 21% of U.S. bank assets, small and mid-sized banks provide 54% of small business loans. … Read More
As a share of their total assets, small business lending at the nation’s largest banks fell by 33% in three years. … Read More
Choosing a locally owned business generates almost four times as much economic benefit for the surrounding community as shopping at a chain, a new study...
Most policymakers don’t imagine that their economic development decisions will affect such things as voter turnout or the prevalence of chronic disease. But a growing...
A new ranking of states based on “small business friendliness” gives low scores to those with more stringent environmental, labor, health & safety, and other...