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.

Small business and the economic squeeze

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.

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