Melanie_Alnwick's Blog

Normally I don't like to advocate in my blog -- but this time, I'm going to make an exception.  Small businesses need your help.  In April, bankruptcies for small businesses hit their highest level since 2005.   We can't afford to let the little guys go under.   Small business accounts for 99 percent of non-governmental employers, and contributes 40 percent of our gross domestic product.    Partner America, a consortium that represents small businesses... says the government needs to do more to help them.   It's suggesting the same low loan rates that wall street companies can borrow at... economic disaster relief packages... and dramatic increases to the Small Business Administration budget.   Whether you agree with government intervention or not -- we can all make these tough times a little easier for the mom & pops by patronizing their businesses.    So the next time you want coffee -- go to the local cafe instead of a national chain.   Pass up the big box retailers now and then -- and visit the corner store.    You'll be doing our small businesses, and our retail landscape - a lot of good.