The more you do to promote the message of buying locally in your own business, organization, or neighborhood, the more people this campaign will reach and the more influence it will have on  spending choices and the future of our economy.  Below  are some ideas for what local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals can do to strengthen Portland's local economy and help achieve the mission of Portland Buy Local.

What Local Businesses Can Do

Become a Member
As Portland business owners, we believe the Portland Buy Local campaign is critical to our community and local economy. Our goal is to make "locally owned" something that both residents and visitors consider when deciding where to shop, eat out, and obtain services. You can help make this campaign a success by becoming a member! Download our Membership Application for details on the benefits of joining, which include listing your business in our online directory.

Display Campaign Materials Prominently in Your Business
The more people learn and the more they see and hear the Portland Buy Local message, the greater the impact of this campaign and the more it will influence purchasing choices. Member businesses are provided with a window decal, a fact sheet, countertop thank-you cards for customers, posters, bumper stickers, and permission to use the Portland Buy Local logo in their own advertising.

Learn More about Why Supporting Locally Owned Businesses Matters
Browse the resources listed in the Why Buy Local section of this website. The more you know about the well-documented economic, community, environmental, and customer benefits of locally owned businesses, the better you'll be able to articulate the case for choosing locally owned. You can also download and distribute copies of our Top Ten Reasons to Buy Local .

Talk to Your Customers
Take the opportunity to talk to your customers about the importance of local businesses and the challenges they face. Encourage people to visit our website for more information.

Educate Your Employees
Talk with your employees about the Portland Buy Local campaign so they will be better equipped to answer customers' questions and communicate the message.

Recruit Other Locally Owned Business
Please talk with other business owners about this campaign and encourage them to get involved. We are an all-volunteer effort, so we depend on you to help us reach every locally owned, independent business in Portland.

Source Goods and Services from Locally Owned Businesses
Examine your list of vendors and look for opportunities to shift your purchasing from non-local to local suppliers.

Spread the Word
Help spread the word by writing letters to newspapers and other local media, mentioning Portland Buy Local in your newsletter and on your web site (and linking to this site), and encouraging community and non-profit groups you are involved with to include information about Portland Buy Local in their newsletters and to join the campaign as well.

Give Local
Consider sponsoring and donating to local charities and non-profits, in addition to national and international non-profits you might already support. By donating locally, you and your community will receive many of the same economic and social benefits as when you buy local goods and services.

What Nonprofit Organizations Can Do

Learn More about Why Supporting Locally Owned Businesses Matters
Browse the resources listed in the Why Buy Local section of this website. Great research supports our assertion that choosing locally owned businesses strengthens our local economy, reduces environmental impact, and builds community—some of which could be related to the mission of your organization. If you feel there is a strong connection, there could be ongoing opportunities to partner and support each other’s work.

Become a Member
Non-profits and community organizations that meet our eligibility criteria are encouraged to join the Portland Buy Local campaign as members. As a member, you will receive many of the same benefits as a business member, and will be listed in the online directory. Through our network, you may find new supporters, strengthen relationships with local business owners, and find new partners for projects and programs. Download our Membership Application.

Display Buy Local Information and Campaign Materials
If your organization has a service center or office, you might consider displaying our member materials including the window decal, our Top Ten Reasons to Buy Local flyer, thank-you cards, posters, and other educational items.

Talk to Your Constituents
Take the opportunity to talk with your constituents and others involved in your organization about the importance of local businesses and the challenges they face. If appropriate, you can also point out ways in which a strong local economy can positively impact your organization’s mission. Encourage people to visit our website for more information.

Source Goods and Services from Locally Owned Businesses
Examine your list of vendors and look for opportunities to shift your spending from non-local to local suppliers. This will also deepen your connection with potential partners and sponsors for your organization’s programs.

Recruit Other Local Organizations
Please talk with other local organizations about this campaign and encourage them to get involved. We are an all-volunteer effort, so we depend on you to help us reach others.

Spread the Word
Help spread the word by writing letters to newspapers and other local media and mentioning Portland Buy Local in your newsletter and on your web site (and linking to this site).

Educate Your Staff
Talk with your staff about the Portland Buy Local campaign so they will be better equipped to answer constituents' questions and communicate the message.

Partner with the Portland Independent Business and Community Alliance
Consider partnering with us for events, workshops, or other educational opportunities. For example, the Portland Arts & Cultural Alliance wanted to promote holiday craft sales as a way to support local artists during the holiday season. Together we developed a poster campaign that listed a schedule of all of Portland’s holiday sales.

What Individuals Can Do

Learn More about Why Supporting Locally Owned Businesses Matters
Browse the resources listed in the Why Buy Local section of this website. Great research supports our assertion that choosing locally owned businesses strengthens our local economy and community, while having a positive impact on many aspects of our own lives.

Shift More of Your Own Spending to Locally Owned Businesses
Examine your current purchasing patterns and look for opportunities to direct more of your spending to locally owned businesses. The directory can help you find locally owned businesses by category or keyword search. If you are unsure whether a business is locally owned and independent, look for the Portland Buy Local decal on their window or ask them.

Talk to Your Friends, Family, and Neighbors
Help us spread the word by talking to your friends, family, and neighbors about how essential locally owned businesses are to the health of our community and the vitality of Portland's economy, and about the many challenges they are now facing. Encourage people to visit our website to learn more and to use the directory to find local businesses.

Let Businesses Know that the Campaign Makes a Difference
Let local business owners and staff know that you support locally owned, independent businesses. If you patronize a business that you found through the Portland Buy Local directory, please be sure to tell them. If a local business you visit is not part of Portland Buy Local, please encourage them to join the campaign.

Display and Distribute Portland Buy Local Materials
The more people learn and the more they see and hear the Portland Buy Local message, the greater the impact of this effort. Portland Buy Local tee-shirts and bumper stickers are available at many local businesses. You can also download and distribute copies of our Top Ten Reasons to Buy Local.

Become a Member
Portland residents are encouraged to become members of Portland Buy Local. Download our Membership Application, which includes information about the benefits of membership.