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find local business

Get certified

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About

find local businesses

Get certified

free official certification

Certify your business as Locally Owned & Operated

Your certification verifies your businesses as independently-operated and local to your community, helping you attract customers dedicated to supporting local business.

Get certified



Watch video



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Join thousands of certified

businesses across the nation!

Join thousands of

certified businesses

across the nation!

Join thousands of certified

businesses across the nation!

the opportunity for small american business

Why Get certified?

Get recognized with your free badge

Receive a physical window decal and digital badges to display with pride on your storefront and online.

get certified

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Attract customers with a listing on the Locally Owned Map

Be discovered by customers in your area who are actively searching to shop at or hire locally owned businesses.

Explore map

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Connect with other business owners in our Facebook Group

Connect with thousands of independent owners across the country to share wins, get support, and build together.

get certified

all for free

Your Certification Package includes

Front-Door
Sticker Decals

Front-Door Sticker Decals

Front-Door
Sticker Decals

Display your locally owned status for customers to see.

Digital Badges For
Your Company Website

Digital Badges For

Your Company Website

Digital Badges For Your Company Website

Showcase your certified standing wherever people can find you online.

Ready-To-Post
Social Media Assets

Announce to your social following and drive engagement.

certify your business today

Shipped to you at no cost!

Here’s what local business
owners are saying

Here’s what local business owners are saying

“Keeping J. Ross locally owned and operated isn’t just business—it’s a commitment. 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
Blountville, TN
“As a business owner, I value local ownership because it creates accountability, strengthens community ties, and ensures decisions are made with firsthand knowledge of the people and places we serve. When you're locally owned, your reputation is everything."
Jason T.
Owner of Gold Medal Roofing
Chandler, AZ
“I am proud to be locally owned and operated. As a local business owner, it is important to me to give back to my customers and provide much needed jobs to our community."
Taylor F.
Owner of The Covered Patio, Titan Garage Flooring, and Titan Concrete
5 locations

“Keeping J. Ross locally owned and operated isn’t just business—it’s a commitment. 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
Blountville, TN
“As a business owner, I value local ownership because it creates accountability, strengthens community ties, and ensures decisions are made with firsthand knowledge of the people and places we serve. When you're locally owned, your reputation is everything."
Jason T.
Owner of Gold Medal Roofing
Chandler, AZ
“I am proud to be locally owned and operated. As a local business owner, it is important to me to give back to my customers and provide much needed jobs to our community."
Taylor F.
Owner of The Covered Patio, Titan Garage Flooring, and Titan Concrete
5 locations

“Keeping J. Ross locally owned and operated isn’t just business—it’s a commitment. 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
Blountville, TN
“As a business owner, I value local ownership because it creates accountability, strengthens community ties, and ensures decisions are made with firsthand knowledge of the people and places we serve. When you're locally owned, your reputation is everything."
Jason T.
Owner of Gold Medal Roofing
Chandler, AZ
“I am proud to be locally owned and operated. As a local business owner, it is important to me to give back to my customers and provide much needed jobs to our community."
Taylor F.
Owner of The Covered Patio, Titan Garage Flooring, and Titan Concrete
5 locations

About the program

Why does American Operator run this program?

American Operator helps keep small businesses locally owned by transitioning them from retiring owners to local operators, offering an alternative to private equity roll-ups or closing operations to preserve the vital role small businesses play in our communities.

We run the Locally Owned and Operated certification program at no cost because we believe local ownership should be visible and valued. Certification helps customers recognize your commitment to the community and signals that your business will remain locally owned for the long term.

Why does American Operator run this program?

Is certification really free?

How long does it take?

How do you verify we are locally owned?

Who qualifies?

Every business is personally certified by our team right here in Austin, TX!

Every business is personally certified by our team right here in Austin, TX!

Every business is personally certified by our team right here in Austin, TX!

Join thousands 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.