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
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...
Using Failure to Succeed
I want to take a rather bold step of redefining failure. FAILURE—it’s such a negative word and certainly something to be avoided at all costs. Or is it? Entrepreneurs know that we learn much more from our failures than our successes. Of course you can’t fail all the...
Leading Small Business Trends You Need to Know About
As entrepreneurs, we’re usually wearing multiple hats while simultaneously trying to keep all the balls in the air. And that’s just within the walls of our business! There’s a never ending flow of information coming our way ever hour of the day. Some of it’s useful,...
Power of Local Podcast: The Humanity of Small Business
Power of Local Podcast: The Humanity of Small Business Join us for this Power of Local Podcast where co-founders Rebecca Melançon and Vicky Valdez talk about the Humanity of Small Business. Small business isn't B2B or B2C but H2H—Human to Human. The Power of Local...
