Research and Studies
Coming Soon! LOCO bc, Columbia Institue & ISIS are collaborating on a study of local purchasing, comparing the economic benefit of buying from local suppliers. The report is expected by May 2013.
Independent BC: Small Business & The British Columbia Economy
2013 Civic Economics study on Canadian market share of independent and chain business and calculates the economic impacts of locally owned business compared to their major North American chain competitors. Check out our blog post for some of the highlights or to download the report.
Other Resources
The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) is a network of more than 80 local business networks across the US and Canada, representing more than 20,000 entrepreneurs. Find many resource on their website.
The Institute for Self-Reliance works to support environmentally sound and equitable community development. Their New Rules Project has done many studies on how big box stores harms small business. Website: newrules.org/publications
Michael Shuman is author of Going Local, The Small-Mart Revolution, & Local Dollars, Local Sense. He works and writes on everything from community-based asset mapping to local stock exchanges. Website: small-mart.org
The New Economics Foundation is an independent think-and-do tank that inspires and demonstrates real economic well-being, aiming to improve quality of life by promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking on economic, environment and social issues. View some of their publications here.
Civic Economics has conducted many studies comparing the circulation of dollars (the “multiplier effect”) when money is spent at local versus chain stores.
- Procurement Matters - The Economic Impact of Local Suppliers: compares the economic impact of purchasing at local versus chain office suppliers
- US Cities move to prevent big box retail
- Miles driven for purchasing grows
- Corporate co-opt of “local”
- Impact of local business on the West Michigan economy
How to Buy Local in BC
The best way to buy local is to follow LOCO’s Live Local, Buy Local campaign. Through our partnership with The Tyee and Vancity, we provide advertising and raise awareness for our members. We supplement this with video ads that highlight businesses in several areas of the lower mainland, and social media campaigns. Check our Live Local, Buy Local campaign for more details.
