As part of SBN’s mission to build economies that are local, green, and fair, SBN helps seed and support Local First Networks here in Massachusetts and around the nation. The following Local First Networks were launched with support from SBN and remain an integral part of SBN’s work.
Cambridge Local First
Mission: The mission of Cambridge Local First is to support, promote, and celebrate a “Local Economy Community” by educating the public and government about the significant environmental, economic, and cultural benefits of a strong local economy
Activities:
- Raising the awareness of consumers, businesses, and government agencies about the benefits of purchasing from locally owned businesses
- Bringing together independent businesses for mutual benefit and networking opportunities
- Supporting Cambridge ordinances and regulations that promote locally owned businesses
Contact:
Janneke House
857.998.7392
[email protected]
https://cambridgelocalfirst.org/
Somerville Local First
Mission: Somerville Local First (SLF) engages business and community leaders in building economies that are green, local and fair
Activities:
- Distribute two publications per year (The SLF Coupon Book and A Locals Guide to Somerville) for free in the community
- Manage campaigns to increase local purchasing throughout the year (The 10% Shift, Shift Your Shopping, Move Your Money).
- Provide technical assistance to local entrepreneurs to help them run more sustainable and profitable enterprises.
- Connect members to other members and the community.
- Support and advocate for policy that supports Local Independent businesses and a sustainable local community.
- Connect members to help them make their businesses more sustainable, including reducing environmental impacts and localizing their purchasing.
Contact:
[email protected]
https://www.somervillelocalfirst.org
Watertown Local First
Mission: To build a strong local economy and a vibrant community by:
- Bringing together independent businesses for mutual benefit and networking opportunities
- Initiating and supporting public policy that improves the business environment for locally owned businesses
- Organizing a Local first campaign that educates customers, businesses, and government agencies to the benefits of purchasing from locally-owned businesses
The founding meeting for Watertown Local First was held on November 1, 2011. Five independent business owners agreed to found Watertown Local First: Don Levy, Deluxe Town Diner, Amy Rothman Kelley, The Bookcase Factory Outlet, Paul Maslow, Strip-T’s, Barry Steinberg, Direct Tire & Auto Service, Ahmad Yasin, Yasin Culinary, Jonathan Rosenthal, Just Works Consulting
Watertown Local First is now in the process of accepting applications for additional founding members, developing a Steering Committee, putting up the web site, and planning for a Watertown Local First business directory.
Contact:
[email protected]
Worcester Local First
Mission: Worcester Local First is a non-profit network of local, independent businesses. Our mission is to connect consumers and local businesses to create a stronger local economy and a more vibrant community.
Activities:
- “Like a Local” Campaign encouraging local consumers to support member businesses.
- Bringing together independent businesses for mutual benefit and networking opportunities.
Contact:
774-314-9495
[email protected]
www.worcesterlocalfirst.org/
SBN has aided in the establishment of 25 additional local first groups in Massachusetts including: Amesbury, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, New London, and Roslindale and was instrumental in the development of the New England Local Business Forum (NELBF) and the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE).