Local First Members

Do you have an idea of what Local First Chicago can do for your business or community? Contact Mia Fioritto at 773.988.2006 or at mia@localfirstchicago.org.

You can also read more about your member benefits here.

Join Local First Chicago

If you’re the owner of a local, independent business, or the leader of a community group that wants to support locals in your neighborhood, or an individual looking to keep your community unique and vibrant, join our campaign!

Join Our Mailing List

Buy Local First Chicago

When you buy local, you support the independent, one-of-a-kind businesses that make up the heart of Chicago neighborhoods. Buying local keeps money in the community and builds a strong local living economy.

Local First is an unprecedented grassroots effort to connect you to local businesses in neighborhoods in every corner of Chicago. Look for the Local First Chicago signs; discover the independents in your neighborhood; and support the local businesses you know and trust.

A 2004 study in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood showed that locally owned, independent businesses recirculate far more money into the local economy than chain businesses. Also, as numerous recent news articles have reported, neighborhoods filled with unique, locally owned enterprises are far more marketable than those filled with characterless, cookie-cutter, “formula” businesses. In addition, the personal connection and trust between local business owners and shopperse is an advantage that nobody else can match.

Participation in the Local First Chicago campaign is open to independent, locally owned businesses in the Chicago area, as well as community groups and interested individuals. Go to our membership link to for more information about joining.