1. You’ll double your dollar’s impact. 

Money spent at local retailers multiplies into extra investment in the local economy.

Studies begun in 2002 by Civic Economics showed that 47 cents of every dollar spent at local retailers and 65 cents of every dollar spent at local restaurants stays local. Compare that to the 14 cents at chain retailers and 30 cents at chain restaurants that stays local from every dollar collected.

2. You’ll get it the way you want it.

Small businesses excel at being responsive to the desires of their customers. In fact, one 2015 survey found that over half of shoppers  say small businesses have better customer service than their larger counterparts. So while some chain stores display more choices to shoppers, local store owners often provide better service to help you choose the products or services you want.

3. You’re supporting neighbors in need.

Small and local businesses are often more involved in their communities – and make far more in charitable contributions. An Oregon State University study found that companies with fewer than 100 employees gave an annual average of $789 per employee in cash and in-kind donations to nonprofits and charitable organizations, compared with $334 from employees at much larger firms.

4. You’re helping the environment.

A community of small businesses requires less driving for shoppers, reducing greenhouse gases emitted by vehicles. People who live in neighborhoods with more small businesses also tend to take public transit more often, while small businesses tend to buy more of their supplies from other small businesses, decreasing the environmental cost of shipping.

5. You’re making smart use of tax dollars.

One study that looked at the vehicle trips, public safety impacts, and infrastructure needs of different business types suggests that smaller and specialty businesses tend to have a smaller impact on their cities than big box stores and fast food outlets. Additional reports and studies have looked at the tax incentives that many cities have given to big box stores and national firms, finding that, in general, it’s likely that buying local means supporting businesses that cost city taxpayers much less.

6. You’re contributing to a more vibrant community.

A healthy, vibrant community is good for everyone. Research shows that communities that support a higher density of small and locally owned businesses tend to have a healthier per capita income growth and civic participation.

A 2011 study from Pennsylvania State University found that between 2000 and 2007, areas with a higher density of small businesses also had greater per capita income growth. Small businesses also accounted for 65% of the net new jobs since 1995, according to the SBA.

Researchers also found that areas with a higher concentration of small businesses tend to have more participation in elections, and more participation in civic activities.