SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- What if you could control where your money goes? The small business community in Santa Cruz county is doing just that.
Five businesses are given $100 to spend and generate more money for the local economy.
"I think it's important to give money back into the community," said Miles Friesen, shopper.
"I think it's very important, because I live here," said James Allen, shopper.
But how many people actually support the small business economy?
A campaign, called "Think Local First Santa Cruz," kicked off Nov. 1 to test just that.
The Picnic Basket is one of five small businesses that received the check donated by local banks.
Business owner Zachary Davis said the goal is to spend it locally, track it, and see whether it generates more money.
"A business like ours when somebody comes in and spends 20 bucks that money doesn't sit here," he said. "We turn around and spend it on local farms, with local food artistans, our local paper suppliers. That money goes right back out the door."
In fact, two years ago the five businesses generated about $5,000 and about $7,000 the year before.
"I think it's been shown that small businesses are likely to spend locally, as well and buy locally as well," Friesen said.
The one-month campaign ends next Friday.
The results will be announced on Dec. 6.
This is the third year of the campaign.
