http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-08-locally-small-businesses-powerful-economic.html

"Thinking small and local, not big and global, may help communities ignite long-term economic growth, according to Penn State economists.

Small, locally owned businesses and startups tend to generate higher incomes for people in a community than big, nonlocal firms, which can actually depress local economies, said Stephan Goetz, professor of agricultural and regional economics.