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American Independent Business Alliance
The American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of local independent businesses, helps communities develop strong local economies through nurturing local entrepreneurs, and promotes citizen engagement in local economic development. AMIBA helps communities to launch and successfully operate buy local campaigns; facilitate group purchasing and marketing among local businesses, and other programs to support community enterprise.
Many of these communities form independent business alliances to strengthen and sustain community-based businesses while strengthening local economies and preventing chains and other remotely controlled businesses from driving out locals.
AMIBA defines a local independent business as:
- Private, employee, community, or cooperative ownership
- At least 50% owned by area residents
- Full decision-making authority for the business lies with its local owner(s)
- A limited number and geographic range of business locations (determined by local affiliates based on their circumstances)
