Small business owners and advocates encourage shoppers to consider local stores this holiday season, as many face what could be a make-or-break period amid ongoing economic challenges.

A survey by the organization Small Business for America's Future reveals the extent of challenges facing many small businesses. Sixty-eight percent of owners say their customers have less money to spend, and 59% expect worse holiday sales than last year.

Nearly three-quarters of the more than 1,000 owners surveyed say they are worried about their businesses surviving the next 12 months.

Kelly Carson and Micaila Vandewalle, co-owners of The Riley Grace Company, transformed their crafting hobby into a custom line of bows, headbands, blankets, and hand towels.

Like many small businesses, they compete aga

See Full Page