The Small Business Saturday movement has been around for years—but it's wonderful to see so many people making conscious choices about where to spend their money. And why not? The benefits of supporting small businesses are clear - They provide more jobs per dollar of revenue than their bigger counterparts, they invest more in local nonprofits, and they create an overall stronger economy in our cities, towns and villages.

Here are some more reasons you should shop small 365 days a year -

When you shop at a small, local business, you’re helping build the community that raised you. You are keeping your money in your own backyard. Some occasions you could expect to pay slightly more for an item than if it were purchased from a big box store or online retailer—but when those extra dollars and pennies stay in town, they stay in your community! When local businesses thrive, so does everything else around them: schools, parks, and recreation facilities…and even other businesses that benefit from having nearby customers spend their money here instead of somewhere else.

Shopping small saves resources by reducing pollution caused by shipping products across state lines or overseas. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They employ approximately half of the private sector.

Small businesses often have a greater connection to their customers than large corporations do because they know them personally, understand their needs, and are more responsive to them. This helps build strong communities where everyone knows each other—and isn't afraid to give back when they have more than they need themselves! Small businesses are often more willing to support their community, local events, and sports teams. Small businesses are mostly locally owned, so they're part of your community too. Plus, when you shop small—whether it's through an online local marketplace or a visit to your local store — you're helping to keep those businesses afloat and thriving in your high streets, main streets and your entire neighborhood.

Shopping small means supporting the local economy, fostering creativity, and promoting entrepreneurship in your community. Small businesses are more likely to be creative: They have fewer employees and more of them are owners or managers. This means that there’s less bureaucracy and red tape to get in the way of ideas as they come up. Small businesses are more likely to hire locally.

Shop at local stores and eat at local restaurants whenever possible. Chances are, you'll discover something new that you love! The next time you're out buying gifts for loved ones this holiday season, or buying a toy for someone you love, think about shopping small. A strong local economy is where everyone wins!