As any small business owner is aware time, money, patience, research and a business plan are needed to start. Included in any plan are local people, what they want from a business, so that they will show a preference to ‘shop’ locally. Supporting a local business means supporting the local economy because independent local businesses employ a wide range services by “buying locally” themselves. They hire architects, designers, IT experts, sign makers and builders and painters. Local accountants, insurance brokers, advertising agencies help run it. Local retailers and distributors also carry a higher percentage of locally-produced goods than chains, meaning more jobs for local producers.