The American Independent Business Alliance
The American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) is a nonprofit membership organization of local business alliances, affiliates, & supporters. It was founded in 2001 as part of a nationwide movement to support locally owned, independent businesses, encourage local purchasing, and address the competitive disadvantages that independent businesses often experience.
AMIBA’s Mission
The mission of AMIBA is to build a strong local economy movement by supporting the growth & development of local business alliances & networks that are committed to supporting local independent businesses in growing & thriving; building strong local economies that are diverse, inclusive, & equitable; and working to mitigate climate change and adapt to the damage brought on by global warming.
AMIBA has been at the forefront of a national grassroots “buy local” campaign. Over the last two decades, nearly 100 Independent Business Organizations have opened nationwide in both cities & rural areas.
Become an AMIBA Choose Indie Local Partner
AMIBA’s Choose Indie Local program inspires & supports community members to boost the ripple effect of economic & community benefits that are received when spending & investing dollars at locally owned businesses. Learn more about the Choose Indie Local Campaigns. By the way, August is Eat Indie Local month!
Led locally but aligned nationally, community members at all levels of the Choose Indie Local movement participate as investors, creators, and Indie Local champions, inspired by local business impacts on community health & wealth to build strong local, equitable, & sustainable economies.
Resilient Local Economies
In 2018 & 2019, AMIBA committed itself to expanding its purpose and shifting its approach to an ecosystem-based strategy of helping community leaders build on their inherent assets to create Resilient Local Economies, in which everyone, regardless of race, age, economic status, or other factors, could thrive & prosper.
AMIBA continues to develop new programs, materials, & networks to advance this larger vision. Its members are leading the development of new ways of working, buying, living, & collaborating.
Catalyzing Small Business
Monopolies have taken control, and entrepreneurs are the victims of monopoly predatory practices. AMIBA strives for an economic system that benefits the common good. Local business by its very nature is the antidote to monopoly power.
AMIBA has committed to join the effort to reign in monopolies and give local businesses a fair chance. Read The Big Deal of Antitrust Laws for Small Businesses to learn more.
AMIBA Partners
AMIBA relies on a broad network of organizations whose mission & objectives reinforce Resilient Local Economies. From foundations to action networks, AMIBA supports policy development, business growth, & public information.
In addition to multiple informal relationships, it has a small number of formal partners, including Small Business Rising and the American Sustainable Business Network.
Join AMIBA
AMIBA is building a strong local economy movement through support, training, & advocacy. In 25 years of operation, it has developed a wide variety of resource materials that generations of Local Economy Movement leaders have relied on to guide their initiatives.
Members have access to additional resources, including those helpful in starting & growing an independent business organization. Consider a membership to obtain these benefits.
AMIBA helps local groups implement programs that nurture entrepreneurship, prevent the displacement of local independent businesses, and build more prosperous & durable local economies. Consider a donation to advance long-term change by creating a national grassroots counterforce to the threats facing local economies everywhere.
