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
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Completed Projects
Programs
Locally-owned, independent businesses are the backbone of our local economy and the foundation of communities’ unique culture.
Local business owners account for the bulk of the tax revenue that fuels any city. Our sheer numbers dictate our economic impact. Independent businesses employ the people, pay the taxes and create most of the growth that keeps our economies healthy. According to the...
Spread the Word: Love Your Locals
Free 'Love Your Locals' social media campaign for you One of the ways the Local Business Institute works for you is providing social media campaigns throughout the year. It's one less thing you have to do!. These are designed with the lower left corner open for your...
National News on the Local Front
Small Business Rising Members (including LBI) Unite WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 21, 2025) — More than one dozen groups in the Small Business Rising coalition released the following statement, applauding the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit targeting PepsiCo. for...
Customers are looking for connection, not just a transaction
Are you B-to-B or B-to-C? Try H-to-H! At the Local Business Institute, we often talk about H-to-H because all small business is Human to Human. This is so much more than a catchy phrase. It’s recognizing that owners, employees and customers are humans, not faceless...
Free Social Media Toolkits to Promote Shopping Locally
Free Social Media Toolkits to Promote Shopping Locally At LBI, we understand how busy local business owners and organization leaders are. Beside, you can't think of everything. We take a little bit of the load off with providing social media campaigns that encourage...
We Want 2025 to be a Spectacular Year for You and We’re Here to Help
Tired of Big Business Taking Your Customers? Fight Back with Marketing Clarity After months of development, we're excited to announce a new service to help you identify, understand and reach new customers and new markets. Marketing Clarity offers a full customized...
