The Commerce Department released statistics on July 27 raising its previous estimate of United States economic growth from 1.9 percent to 2 percent in the first quarter, from January to March. From April to June, the growth slowed down to an annual rate of 1.5 percent. Three years after the official end of the Great Recession, Americans remain skeptical of spending making it difficult for some small businesses to succeed.

Studies have continually showed the importance of shopping locally to improve the country's economy. Students earning a business administration degree or general business degree online have the opportunity to learn best practices to improve the economy as an entrepreneurial business owner, like CEO Sean Kelly and co-founder Andrew Mackensen of h.u.m.a.n. (or helping unite man and nutrition) Healthy Vending.

Their business model is based on encouraging healthier snacks, which could cut the $190 billion a year in extra medical spending down. The rate of obesity in America affects spending indirectly. For example, cars require more gasoline to hold heavy passengers, according to Reuters. H.u.m.a.n. Healthy Vending aims to provide healthy, low-sugar, organic and gluten-free items to put in place of high-calorie snacks Americans are used to pulling out of a vending machine.

With 1,500 machines across 40 states, h.u.m.a.n. Healthy Vending is on track to generate $12 million. Starting as a research project, Kelly’s idea turned into a business that is dedicated to helping other socially-committed entrepreneurs.

“Do not be scared to surround yourself with people smarter and more experienced than you,” Kelly advised to young entrepreneurs. “You need people not to push you, but to pull you. Get the mentors, get the leaders, and do not be afraid to copy success. A lot more people will help than you realize.”