Going Local: Quantifying the Economic Impacts of Buying from Locally Owned Businesses in Portland, Maine

This report compares the impact of locally owned businesses versus national chains on Greater Portland's local economy. They find that increased consumption from locally owned business stimulates greater economic activity. Every $100 spent at locally owned businesses generates an additional $58 in local impact. By comparison, $100 spent at a representative national chain store generates only $33 in local impact.