What does the
Local Business Institute do?
Part think tank, part school, part national leadership, part training ground for local leadership, the Institute is home to local leaders from across the country. Through online and on-demand programs, special projects, distance learning, virtual and live conferences, lectures and events, we work to foster local, national and even global conversations around entrepreneurship and local economies. We bring substantial resources to entrepreneurs of all ages and stages.
Get involved!
Take the Live Local Pledge
Join the LocalFirst Community
Take essential training with a Business Bundle on the LBI Virtual Campus
At the Local Business Institute, we don’t talk about business as B to B or B to C. We talk about small, local business as H2H—Human to Human—because all small business is humans helping other humans. It’s why we all do what we do.
Our belief in local business goes even deeper. Read more.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Completed Projects
Programs
Spend Local, Strenthten Community: The Suprising Power of Your Dollar
The Local Business Institute Virtual Campus is a lifeline for small business owners searching for real relief, practical resources, and a caring community. Every feature—from weekly live office hours to a vast array of targeted training—is designed to meet you where...
Your Business Lifeline: Virtual Campus Offers Support, Community and Tools
The Local Business Institute Virtual Campus is a lifeline for small business owners searching for real relief, practical resources, and a caring community. Every feature—from weekly live office hours to a vast array of targeted training—is designed to meet you where...
The Financial Activist Movement Wants You!
Last week I mentioned the remarkable conference we attended in Chicago, hosted by Neighborhood Economics. We made many great connections that will turn into collaborations —more on this in the next couple of months. While we were introduced to some amazing people, we...
Inspiring. Motivational. Enlightening. This Was a Profound Experience
We had a most extraordinary experience a couple of weeks ago when we attended the Neighborhood Economics Chicago Conference. This conference was different than any we have attended and we left awed by the collaborations and exchanges of the dedicated and impactful...
Virtual Briefing: How Big Retailers Get Illegal Pricing Deals and How to Fight Back
We are thrilled to share this event from one of our collaborating partners, Small Business Rising (SBR) and the Institute for Local Self Reliance (ILSR). We work closely with both SBR and ILSR on national policy issues and this event focuses on a big one—Big Business...
Attend the ASBN Virtual Conference
Join the American Sustainable Business Network's Business, Policy and Purpose: The Business of Democracy conference, October 21-23, 2025! This three-day virtual conference (12-3:30 PM ET daily, plus optional networking) is designed for business leaders who want to...
