In New York City, a blogger named Jeremiah Moss has been chronicling the demise of established small businesses in Manhattan since 2007 on his website, "Jeremiah's Vanishing New York." In late February, Moss launched a campaign called #SaveNYC through social media in hopes of bringing attention to the issue. His strategy was modeled off of a similar initiative in London, #SaveSoho, aimed at protecting local arts venues in the city. Moss's grass-roots effort has been slow, but is growing.  "New York is losing its unique character," Moss said. "This is largely due to skyrocketing rents, to landlords who kick out small businesses so they can attract chains and get rents three-to-10-times higher," Moss said. "I want to live in a New York that feels like New York. ... This has to stop."  Read MoreMeet the guy making shoes for diabetics, vets and P. Diddy  The Small Business Congress, an advocacy group for small businesses in New York City, said 491 small businesses closed their doors per month in 2014. In 2013, the number was 499 but higher than 485 in 2012.  At smaller shops have been closing, the number of chain stores in New York City continues to grow. In 2014, there were 7,473 chain stores in the five boroughs, up 2.5 percent from the 7,288 chain stores in the city in 2013, according to the Center for an Urban Future, a policy institute.  To be fair, chain stores can be corporate-owned or individually owned franchises, which would categorizes them as small businesses. But some community advocates argue businesses under national brand names are better able to make rising rents.
Small-business supporters are turning to blogs and social media to save New York City's mom and pops and ultimately the city's unique character.