From the OC Metro:  
A recently released report from a UC Irvine economist contends that small or locally owned businesses do not insulate communities from layoffs and closures in difficult economic times. Rather, corporate headquarters do the most to protect cities from employment reductions.  
 
For the full story, please visit http://www.ocmetro.com/t-UCI_small_businesses_burden_10_16_09.aspx.