For every $100 spent in independent, locally owned businesses, $68 returns to the community through payroll, taxes and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain store, only $43 returns, and if you spend it online, nothing returns, according to 2009 U.S. Department of Labor statistics. Project 3/50 is a grassroots initiative that encourages consumers to patronize local small businesses for the sake of building up our communities. By picking three businesses and spending at least $50 a month, you funnel millions of dollars back into the local economy, in turn, “saving the brick and mortars are nation is built upon.” Get to spending!
