Monopolistic business practices have been illegal in the United States for more than a century. Yet, monopoly power continues to accelerate in our modern commercial landscape. Large, powerful corporations edge out smaller businesses, often citing scale, “efficiency”, and lower costs as their reasons for success. But looking more closely reveals a reality that is far different. Small businesses are more cost-effective and deliver better results to the people they serve than giant corporations. Furthermore, they form the backbone of engaged and connected communities. So what is actually preventing small businesses (and communities) from flourishing, and what can individuals do today to build economic power in their communities?
In this episode, Nate is joined by economic writer and strategist, Stacy Mitchell, to explore how concentrated economic power shapes the health of towns and cities – from economic resilience to social connectedness. They unpack why big businesses actually deliver poorer, pricier results and more vulnerable supply chains, yet are able squeeze smaller businesses out of the market. Stacy also sheds light on the United States’ long history of breaking up monopolies through antitrust laws, and the policy developments in recent decades that have prevented their enforcement.
How do small businesses play an integral role in fostering resilient social capital? Why have we seen an increase in economic consolidation and inequality in the last several decades, and how can we reverse it? Finally, what practical steps can each of us take in our own communities to advance more localized economic systems that better serve people and the planet?
About Stacy Mitchell:
Stacy Mitchell is a writer, strategist, and policy advocate. She is Co-Executive Director of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (@ilsr08) , an organization that for five decades has challenged the wisdom of neoliberalism and championed local, community-oriented models. She also serves on the board of the Maine Center for Economic Policy.
Additionally, Stacy is the author of Big-Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America’s Independent Businesses. In 2016, she co-authored Amazon’s Stranglehold, an influential report that took a critical eye to the e-commerce giant. Congress cited her research on Amazon’s monopolization strategy in its investigation of Big Tech’s dominance in 2021 and her work informed the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit against the company in 2023. She has also worked extensively at the local level, helping communities craft policies that support local entrepreneurship and vibrant commercial districts.
Show Notes and More (Conversation recorded on September 18th, 2025):
https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/episode/198-stacy-mitchell
---
Support The Institute for the Study of Energy and Our Future:
https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/support
Join our Substack newsletter:
https://natehagens.substack.com/
Join our Hylo channel and connect with other listeners:
https://www.hylo.com/groups/the-great-simplification/join/i9jLqPmbGI
---
00:00 - Introduction
03:18 - Importance of Local Economies
08:59 - Local Social Networks
10:53 - Walmartization of the World
13:45 - Policy Choices
21:03 - Modern Boston Tea Party
25:03 - Cultural Assumptions
33:36 - Regional Production
37:29 - Small Business vs Big Business
40:30 - Impact on Individuals
44:20 - Creating a Level Playing Field
58:08 - Industry Comparisons
01:01:43 - Economic Downturn
01:05:55 - Policy Change
01:08:58 - How to Get Started
01:19:01 - Nonpartisan
01:20:31 - Current Projects
01:23:36 - "Anti Free Market"
01:25:59 - Closing Thoughts