About AMIBA

The American Independent Business Alliance is a non-profit organization helping communities launch and successfully operate an Independent Business Alliance® (IBA), "buy independent, buy local" campaigns, pro-local policies, and other initiatives to support local entrepreneurs and vibrant local economies. While most affiliates are in the U.S., we are eager to help people organize wherever they reside. 

These Alliances are based on a model we pioneered in 1998. Since 2001, IBAs have formed in a diverse range of communities and are playing a crucial role in keeping opportunities alive for entrepreneurs, building more self-reliant and durable communities, and engaging citizens in guiding their community's future. These Alliances already have inspired numerous similar organizations that comprise a key component of a growing Localization Movement.

AMIBA exists to help local IBAs succeed through networking them to share ideas, developing and sharing resources, and advising on operation and strategy.

We also provide consulting services and produce custom materials for municipal governments, independent trade groups, selected local Chambers of Commerce and other entities.

AMIBA is the first organization to represent the interests of community-based independent businesses in a voice uncompromised by chains or publicly-traded corporations. For more about our positions, please see our Platform for America's Independent Businesses, produced in partnership with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

AMIBA's Roots

In 1997, two Boulder, Colorado residents — one a local independent bookstore owner, the other a concerned citizen — recognized the multi-faceted threat to communities posed by absentee-owned chains and their displacement of locally-owned independent businesses. They gathered with other locals to devise proactive means for helping the community preserve its character and sustain its local businesses. The first Independent Business Alliance was born.

The initial sell was tough; being the first of its kind, the idea was untested. Once several of the community's landmark businesses were aboard, attracting others became easier. After two years the Boulder IBA had a coalition of 150 community-based businesses and had succeeded in creating a culture of support for local independent business through public education, collaborative efforts among the coalition, and inserting itself into local policy discussion.

Being local became hip. Non-IBA affiliated businesses and even franchises began using "local" as a marketing tool. The chain-owned daily newspaper touted a local business advertising page and routinely provided a local business perspective in its staff-generated articles. Conversation on the street regarding "local" v. "chains" was overheard commonly, and discussion in the letters section of the newspaper became frequent.

After receiving more than 100 inquiries about the IBA model from communities nationwide within the first two years, the directors determined the time had come to launch AMIBA to address the interest. 

The directors of that first IBA today direct AMIBA, offering their unrivaled experience gained from personally organizing an IBA and helping dozens of communities across North America.

While AMIBA earns income through affiliation dues, speaking engagements, consulting and merchandise sales, we also depend on the generosity of citizens who recognize the unique importance of our work. Your tax-deductible contribution enables us to keep innovating and provide support to many communities that cannot otherwise obtain necessary assistance.

AMIBA's IRS 501c3 determination letter (pdf).

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