In honor of National Small Business Wee, the Greater Des Moines Partnership is reminding businesses to pledge to shift 5 percent of their spending to local vendors as part of a program called “Look Local First.” The Partnership’s “Look Local First” program is designed to promote local expertise, products and services. Greater Des Moines businesses and local governments spend more than $13.4 billion with out-of-area suppliers. Shifting 5 percent of spending to local vendors could mean a $1 billion boost in economic activity in Greater Des Moines, the Partnership contended. “Looking Local First has an obvious impact on the economy and can help your company develop long-lasting relationships with vendors that are also invested in and contributing to our community’s success,” said Meg Schneider, senior vice president of regional business development at the Partnership. The Partnership has a pledge form for the program at looklocaldsm.com and a list of local vendors.