Locally Owned and Operated

2024 Report

Consumer preferences in relation to business ownership

Almost 93% prefer to buy from locally owned businesses

Do you prefer to purchase goods or services from locally owned businesses?

Yes

92.6%

No

7.4%

Only 7% of consumers say local ownership is not important to them

How important is local ownership of small businesses to you?

Very important

59.3%

Important

33.3%

Neutral

3.7%

Not important

3.7%

Not important at all

0%

96% of people pay attention to whether a business is locally owned and operated

When making purchasing decisions, do you pay attention to whether a business is locally owned and operated?

Yes

59.3%

No

3.7%

Sometimes

37%

Local ownership is a significant factor for 78% of purchasing decisions

How much does your knowledge of who owns the business matter in your purchasing decision-making?

Always

44.4%

Often

33.3%

Sometimes

11.1%

Rarely

11.1%

Not at all

0%

70% of respondents check information about local businesses online

How do you find out whether a business is locally-owned or owner-operated today?

I check online

70.4%

I ask them

14.8%

They tell me

3.7%

I can’t

11.1%

For proudly local businesses

93% of Consumers Prefer Locally Owned & Operated Businesses

Customers care about supporting local businesses—but they need to know you’re one of them. By getting certified as Locally Owned and Operated, you can stand out, build trust, and attract loyal customers who value keeping dollars in their community.

Get your business certified today

Why get certified?

The recognition you deserve

Independent business ownership is demanding and deserves acknowledgement

Boost visibility

Free promotion to our audience of thousands to expand your reach

Strengthen your community

Help highlight the importance of keeping jobs, dollars, and business ownership local.

See how customers feel about local ownership;
click to view our 2024 report

"Over 48 percent of every dollar spent at a local business is reinvested in the community compared to just 13 percent of every dollar spent with major chains."

"If every American family chose to spend $10 a month at local independent retailers vs international corporations, more than $9.3 billion USD would be directly returned to the US economy."

"Small businesses donate 250% more than large businesses to causes within their local community."

FREE 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.

and more!

How it works

01

Apply

Complete a quick, straightforward application to verify your local ownership.

02

Get certified

Once approved, you’ll receive your free certification materials.

03

Promote your certification

Start attracting customers who value supporting local businesses like yours.

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.

Get certified now

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.

Apply for certification today!

Get certified and show your customers what it means to be proudly local. Take the pledge to keep your business locally owned now and in the future.