The future is local

We help create and support thriving local business communities through education, policy & community-building programs.

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.

Our Projects

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Completed Projects

Programs

Trending

The Gorilla Every Entrepreneur Knows, But Nobody Talks About

The Gorilla Every Entrepreneur Knows, But Nobody Talks About

Entrepreneurship isn’t easy. There are days when we soar and days when we struggle. This applies to EVERYONE. It’s easy when you’re struggling to think no one else is sharing your struggle. They all look like they are succeeding wildly and with ease. But it isn’t so....

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Fair Prices for Local Business Act

Fair Prices for Local Business Act

Two dozen small business associations including the Local Business Institute and representing a broad swath of Main Street released a joint letter in support of Senator Chris Murphy’s new bill, the Fair Prices for Local Businesses Act, aimed to strengthen and...

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Why Should You Care?

Why Should You Care?

Understanding the true impact of your intentional decisions Owner greets customer in front of store[/caption]So, why should you care? Because every time you choose local, you’re shaping the community you live in. You’re investing in people, not corporations. You’re...

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Free Training for Local Business

Free Training for Local Business

  Any Class, Any Time If you’ve ever considered online and on-demand training to grow your business, here’s a chance to get essential expert advice for free! The Local Business Institute has received a small grant that allows us to offer a full scholarship for...

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Authenticity Is Your Local Business Superpower

Authenticity Is Your Local Business Superpower

Ecommerce business owners celebrating their success as young entrepreneurs in retail. Two business women making teamwork a priority as they run an online clothing store together.[/caption]We’re all bombarded with marketing messages. Some seem like they’re competing...

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 Small businesses are the heartbeat of your neighborhood, the spine of your local economy and the spirit of your town.