There are more than 500,000 small businesses in B.C., employing more than a million people.

And lots of these businesses are hoping that they'll be patronized by fellow British Columbians over the holiday season.

To draw attention to this, Jobs, Trade and Technology Minister Bruce Ralston has proclaimed December 2 to 8 as Buy Local Week.

"When you shop local, you help advance the local economy and allow your community to thrive and benefit all British Columbians,” Ralstonsaid in a government news release. “Local businesses are vital to our communities. Not only do they create good jobs, they also enhance the community by contributing to worthy causes.”

There's an economic bang from shopping locally, according to the LOCO B.C. Indie Impact Study, which was conducted with the research firm Civic Economics.

It showed that for every $100 spent at a local business, $63 recirculated in the community.

That number rose to $67.90 at local restaurants. 

In comparison, buying at multinationals only generated 30.4 percent being recirculated.

"Our study shows how it strengthens communities and the local economy," LOCO executive director Amy Robinson said. "We need our local businesses, growers and manufacturers to thrive. For that, they need our full support all year-round.”