ILSR’s Stacy Mitchell spoke about policy to shape the next phase of the local economy movement in this presentation at the 2016 Winter Institute. The...
Recent findings from prominent economists, sociologists, and other researchers suggest that small, local businesses are critical to overcoming many of our biggest challenges, from reducing...
A growing body of research is giving us new ways to quantify the harms of bigness and the benefits of local ownership. In this post,...
Contact: Rebecca Toews Rebecca@ILSR.org 612-808-0689 Amid the hype of online and big-box shopping this weekend, it’s easy to overlook the growing popularity of independent...
Independent businesses saw strong sales growth in 2014 as more consumers embraced the “buy local” movement and ditched big companies in favor of supporting local...
Independent businesses are poised to draw more people this holiday season. To illustrate the ways that local businesses are growing in popularity, delivering stronger economic returns,...
In this panel at the New Economy Coalition’s 2014 conference, ILSR’s Stacy Mitchell, together with Barry Lynn of Open Markets and Aaron Bartley of PUSH...
ILSR’s annual survey has found that independent businesses experienced solid revenue growth in 2012, buoyed in part by “buy local first” initiatives. But the survey...
Here are the ten short-and-sweet reasons why supporting independent businesses is critical to the well-being of our communities and our economy.… Read More
Metroland, December 6, 2012 Are buy-local initiatives having a positive impact on local economies? To many, the answer is a resounding “yes” Sharon Fenno knew...
An annual survey has found that independent businesses had strong sales growth over the holidays and appear to be benefitting from growing public interest in...
For the fourth year in a row, a national survey of independent businesses has found that those in communities with an active "buy local" campaign...
More holiday shoppers deliberately sought out locally owned businesses this year, according to a national survey of more than 1,800 independent businesses.… Read More
A growing body of evidence suggests that public enthusiasm for all things local and independent is on the rise, providing locally owned businesses with a...
Shifting even a modest amount of consumer spending from chains to locally owned businesses would have a major impact on the West Michigan economy, according...