Although we support independent businesses throughout Maine, because of our limited resources and capacity — we are a mostly volunteer-run organization — the Portland Buy Local Campaign is exclusively focused on businesses located in the city of Portland.
If you have a business elsewhere, we encourage you to start a similar initiative in your community. Here are some great organizations and resources that can provide advice and help you get started:
American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA)
Portland Buy Local is affiliated with AMIBA, a national organization that helps Independent Business Alliances start and grow in cities and towns across the country. AMIBA offers a how-to guidebook, templates, on-site workshops, and loads of advice for organizers. We relied heavily on AMIBA when we launched. It is the single best source of guidance for starting a successful campaign and avoiding common pitfalls.
New England Local Business Forum (NELBF)
If you are in New England, we strongly encourage you to attend the next NELBF gathering. NELBF is a regional coalition of about 15 “buy local” organizations. It organizes two day-long, mini-conferences a year, in the spring and fall (details on the web site). These gatherings provide a great opportunity to meet others and learn the nuts and bolts of creating a successful campaign.
Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR)
ILSR’s Independent Business Initiative produces research on the economic and community benefits of locally owned businesses, tracks the growing “buy local” movement and its impact, and offers a range of resources, including key studies on the benefits of independent businesses, as well as news and analysis of innovative initiatives from around the country.
Buy Local / Independent Groups and Advocates
This is a LinkedIn group for those engaged in, or interested in, efforts to help independent businesses thrive. The group is intended to serve as a communication hub for all those sharing common interests and includes people from buy local campaigns, trade associations, non-profit organizations, government officials and others.
BAYSIDE BARK / Bayside Bowl / Benchmark Real Estate / Bull Feeney's / Caravan Beads / Casco Bay EyeCare / Clark Insurance / ClickToast – Digital Advertising / Coffee By Design / CornerStone Building & Restoration / CrossFit Beacon / The Fish & Bone / Float Harder Relaxation Center / Gorham Savings Bank / Green Clean Maine / Joan Leitzer / Knack Factory / Liquid Riot / Longfellow Books / Maine Business Immigration Coalition / Maine Outdoor Film Festival / Malone Commercial Brokers / Marsh Agency / Nine Stones / Nomads / OTTO / Philip Spalding / Port Property Management / Portland Discovery Land & Sea Tours / Portland Food Co-op / Portland Downtown / Renys Department Store / Taproot Magazine / The SunriseGuide / University Credit Union / Wellness Connection of Maine / XPress Copy / YMCA of Southern Maine / Young’s Furniture
