Championing local, independent businesses, the heart of Greater Portland’s unique appeal.

The Portland Independent Business and Community Alliance (PIBCA), is a membership-driven, business-focused organization based in Portland, Maine. Its members include locally owned, independent, non-franchised businesses, community nonprofits, and individual members who share a passion for building and sustaining a thriving local business community. PIBCA is primarily known by the name of its central campaign, Portland Buy Local.

The organization provides services to help business members thrive through education, marketing support, business development, and connection with each other and the community at large. It also organizes events and produces materials that promote its members, educate the community about why buying local matters, and inspire consumers to choose local first.

The Portland Buy Local campaign was launched in July 2006 by Portland business owners and citizens working to counteract the rising influence of national chains through collective marketing, education, and advocacy. After receiving an enthusiastic response from both businesses and residents, the initial working group incorporated the Portland Independent Business and Community Alliance as a 501c(6) in September 2006 and formed the organization’s first Board of Directors and Advisory Board.

We champion local, independent businesses, the heart of Greater Portland’s unique appeal, through marketing, education, business development, and community connection.

Our Vision

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