For proudly local businesses
Get Certified and Grow your Business
Stand out and build trust with customers who prioritize supporting local businesses. Our Locally Owned and Operated certification highlights your commitment to the community, helping you attract loyal patrons dedicated to keeping their spending local.
certify your business today
Why get certified?
Gain Recognition
Celebrate and showcase the hard work of independent business ownership.
Boost visibility
Enjoy complimentary promotion to our extensive audience, expanding your reach.
Strengthen your community
Play a pivotal role in keeping jobs, revenue, and ownership within the local area.
See how customers feel about local ownership. View the 2024 report
Your Certification Package includes:
Physical Decals
Display your locally owned status for customers to see.
Digital Badges
Showcase your certified standing wherever people can find you online.
Amplified Exposure
Promotion to our audience of thousands across our various social platforms and channels.
All for free. Because recognition shouldn’t cost you.
certify your business today
how it works
1
Apply
Complete a quick, straightforward application to verify your local ownership.
2
Get Certified
Once approved, you’ll receive your free certification materials.
3
Promote your certification
Start attracting customers who value supporting local businesses like yours.
new businesses everyday
Find local businesses
Discover and support independent businesses in your area with our easy-to-use tool. Choosing local over corporate chains helps retain jobs, revenue, and ownership within your community. Start exploring today!
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Certified and proud
Here’s what local business owners are saying
“Being locally owned and operated has allowed me to give back to the community and also allowed me to provide jobs on a local level to more people.”
Taylor F.,
Owner of The Covered Patio, Titan Garage Flooring, and Titan Concrete
“Being locally owned and operated, with the added veteran aspect, brings everything together much more and isn't about being the highest paid company out there, but providing the highest result to all customers.”
Darren N.,
Owner of Cleaners of Arizona
“Keeping J. Ross locally owned and operated isn’t just business—it’s a commitment. Every decision we make impacts our team, families, and customers. When you hire us, you’re working with people who live, work, and care about this community—not a faceless corporation. Staying local means better service, stronger relationships, and reinvesting in the place we call home.”
Jeremy Y.,
Owner of J. Ross Painting & Drywall
Join a Growing Movement of Local Businesses
Certification is fast, free, and helps your business stand out. Become part of a network dedicated to keeping communities strong, one local business at a time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you run this program?
Mainshares is a financial services company that offers its services to independent small businesses. We sponsor the locally owned and operated certification program to amplify small business ownership across the country. Without programs like this, there is not enough support for small businesses (our customers) to survive and thrive.
Is certification really free?
Yes! There’s no cost to apply or receive your certification materials.
How long does it take?
  • - Filling out the application form takes less than 5 minutes.
  • - Applications are typically reviewed within 2 business days.
How do you verify we are locally owned?
We use the information you provide in your application, along with publicly available information to certify your status. We may also contact you using the contact information you provide in your application to verify details.
Who qualifies?
  • - Independently owned businesses based in the local community.
  • - Businesses with majority local ownership and decision-making authority.
Join hundreds of certified local businesses
Be part of a growing network of locally owned businesses proudly making a difference in their communities. Certification is free, fast, and easy—and it helps customers find and support businesses like yours.