5 Organizations Encouraging People To Shop Local

5 Groups Promoting Local Businesses

Organization	Mission
Local First Arizona	Promote, support, and celebrate a vibrant and sustainable Arizona economy by educating citizens about local business ownership, social equity, cultural diversity, environmental kinship, and collaboration
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce	Develop economic opportunities, strengthen the business climate, and enhance the quality of life in the New Hampshire Capital Region
Independent We Stand	Help independently owned businesses across the country reach out to their communities and educate their neighbors about the many benefits of buying local
The Chico Chamber of Commerce	Leverage the voice of business for community good
MetroIBA	Help the Twin Cities region maintain its unique community character, provide continuing opportunities for entrepreneurs, build economic strength, and create an environment where locally owned, independent businesses grow and flourish

The Impact of Independent Businesses

U.S. Small Business Statistics

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, as of 2018

There are 30.2 million small businesses in the United States
These make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses
They employ 58.9 million people
These make up 47.5% of all U.S. employees
Of the 294,834 U.S. companies that exported goods in 2015, 97.6% were small firms
Pennsylvania is home to 1.0 million small businesses, which employ 2.5 million people

The Local First Arizona Story

In Depth

Local businesses have increasingly found themselves competing with large national chains. Although lower prices may be an incentive to consumers, retaining the uniqueness and vitality of a community remains a higher priority for many people. Whether it's for a regional network of young professionals, or a public-private partnership, consider the organizations listed here in no particular order.

First up at #1 is Local First Arizona, a non-profit organization that celebrates independent, locally owned businesses. Local First Arizona promotes, supports, and celebrates a vibrant regional economy by educating citizens about business ownership, cultural diversity, and environmental kinship. The organization consists of a variety of locally owned enterprises of all shapes and sizes across the state.

One of Local First Arizona's most popular initiatives is The Devour Phoenix Restaurant Coalition, a city-wide group of select, independent restaurants that work together to advance Phoenix as a culinary destination. The Devour Coalition is dedicated to supporting the development and promotion of the culinary culture in Arizona.

The Devour Coalition is dedicated to supporting the development and promotion of the culinary culture in Arizona.

Next up at #2, we have the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, which develops economic opportunities, strengthens the business climate, and enhances the quality of life in the New Hampshire Capital Region. The organization enjoys the support of many in the community to help carry out the chamber's programs for the Greater Concord business community.

One such program is the Concord Young Professionals Network, or CYPN. The CYPN promotes the growth of skilled workers in their early twenties to mid-forties in the Greater Concord region. The network is dedicated to helping professionals make connections in the community, and providing them with learning and networking opportunities.

Coming in at #3 is Independent We Stand, an organization dedicated to reaching out to communities and educating people about the many benefits of buying local. The movement focuses on helping community-based businesses not only survive, but thrive, all while helping them contribute to the local economy.

The movement focuses on helping community-based businesses not only survive, but thrive, all while helping them contribute to the local economy.

Consumers and business owners are beginning to understand the importance and strong economic benefits of supporting locally owned businesses. Independent We Stand offers an online directory of locally owned establishments that have joined the organization's network. In addition, Independent We Stand's blog provides the latest news pertaining to local economies.

Arriving at #4, we have The Chico Chamber of Commerce, one of the largest advocacy organizations for commerce in Northern California. The Chico Chamber is also actively involved in economic development, workforce education, and quality of life initiatives to ensure a pro-active, business-friendly climate that supports the city's economy.

One of the key programs of the chamber is Team Chico, an initiative with the intent to advance the city's economic development goals, retain and grow local businesses, and ensure the city remains attractive to potential employers. Team Chico seeks to form lasting partnerships by providing professional, expert services to local business communities.

One of the key programs of the chamber is Team Chico, an initiative with the intent to advance the city's economic development goals, retain and grow local businesses, and ensure the city remains attractive to potential employers.

Finally at #5, MetroIBA is a group of dedicated independent business owners who work together to support the economy of the Twin Cities. The MetroIBA seeks to serve its members by providing a directory listing local businesses, and a network for consumers and proprietors to connect, in order to become one of the most effective advocates of the local economies of Minneapolis.

On average, every dollar spent at a local, independent business generates at least three times more direct economic benefit than when spent at non-local businesses. Through marketing, education, and advocacy, MetroIBA is working to preserve the independent enterprises that help the Twin Cities maintain their unique character and economic strength.