To put it simply, when you buy local more money stays in the community.

Research in Canada and the U.S. has shown that money spent with local business generates almost 5x more revenue than chain competitors.  For example, a study conducted in British Columbia found that, for every $100 spent with a BC local business, $63 was re-circulated back into the BC economy (vs $14 for multinational corporations). That means they re-circulate 4.6 times more revenue in the local economy.¹

That doesn’t mean you should never shop at a chain or big box store.  In our age of globalized trade and interconnected supply chains, it’s not practical or possible to only shop local (even the term “local” can be confusing!)²  But, as Canadian politicians are urging in the wake of COVID-19, ³ making a point of supporting the small businesses in your community ensures money keeps circulating in your community, which promotes job growth, economic resiliency, and a stronger sense of belonging.