Local Business
We connect and promote locally owned and independently operated businesses and educate consumers on local products and services to build a sustainable Local Living Economy. A Local Living Economy ensures that economic power resides locally, sustaining healthy community life and natural life as well as long-term economic viability.
We are starting networks in other communities to help build support for local and connect local business owners with each other to share ideas and resources.
Please contact us if you are interested in starting a business network in your community: SCCI Local Business Networks
Think Boise First, a program of Sustainable Community Connections of Idaho, is a membership network of community minded individuals and local business leaders working to support and promote the benefits of buying local first.
Think Nampa First , a program of Sustainable Community Connections of Idaho, is a membership network of community minded individuals and local business leaders working to support and promote the benefits of buying local first.
BUY LOCAL, SUPPORT YOURSELF
Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business a significantly greater portion of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community
SUPPORT COMMUNITY GROUPS
Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.
KEEP OUR COMMUNITY UNIQUE
Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home and one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of each community.
REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe contributing to less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
CREATE GOOD JOBS
Small local businesses are collectively the largest employer nationally and therefore provide the most jobs to residents in communities.
GET BETTER SERVICE
Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.
INVEST IN COMMUNITY
Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community's future.
PUT YOUR TAXES TO GOOD USE
Local businesses in city centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services.
BUY WHAT YOU WANT (NOT WHAT SOMEONE ELSE WANTS YOU TO BUY)
A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.
ENCOURAGE LOCAL PROSPERITY
A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.
