Local Options: Independent Business Directory
The Local Options Directory will be a tool for citizens who are interested
in better supporting their local economy.
The goal is to provide as comprehensive, legitimate and useful a directory
as possible to citizens wishing to support independent businesses in
Humboldt. Its primary purpose is to provide an inclusive listing of businesses
that qualify as “locally-owned” and “independent.”
While all independent businesses will be listed for free, paid advertising
and memberships will also be offered to help make the directory a self-sustaining
venture. This project will be help preserve and
promote the local, unique, entrepreneurial spirit of Humboldt County.
The key to this is its being as comprehensive as possible in listing
all independent businesses in Humboldt County.
Click here to
list your business in the Local
Options Directory.
Target Groups
Locally-Oriented Humboldt County Residents
The number of people who are concerned about where their money goes after
they spend it is growing every day, especially here in socially-conscious
and politically active Humboldt County. These people are interested
in living in a thriving, healthy and vibrant community, which includes
economic as well as social health. With the Local Options Directory,
citizens will be able to conveniently and efficiently make more informed
choices as to how they wish to spend their dollars.
Independent Business Owners
Competing against the “big guys” is becoming more and more
difficult in the modern-day economy. As a comprehensive list of independent
businesses, the Local Options Directory will make it clear to independent
business owners that they are not alone and can work together to help
preserve the quality of life that everybody in Humboldt County values
so much.
Visitors to Humboldt County
The Local Options Directory will provide a form of collective advertising
that will better enable visitors to Humboldt County to really experience
our regional flavor. Visitors will be more likely to spend their money
in establishments that are not only unique, but more likely to multiply
the value of their spending here locally, rather than send it
out of the county.
Directory Sections
1. Section for citizen education including articles on the importance
of independent businesses.
2. Feature articles on local businesses
3. Listing of businesses by category
4. Listing of businesses by name (alphabetical)
5. Resources for small businesses (SBDC, AEDC, etc.)
6. Resources for citizens interested in other ways to keep their money
local, investing locally, etc.
7. Section on currently open “niches” in Humboldt County
(for example, nobody making shoes locally)
How You Can Help
Estimated printing cost for the directory alone is just under $30,000.
We are planning to pay for most of these costs through advertising and
in-kind donations. While we are saving a lot of money by hosting this
project within an already existing organization, there are still start-up
costs for the Humboldt Independent Business Alliance and costs to promote
the Local Options Directory.
We are seeking support from dedicated citizens, committed local businesses
and organizations that share our goals of fostering the local Humboldt
economy.
You can help in the following ways:
1. Advertise in Local Options. HumIBA members
are eligible to advertise in Local Options to help promote your business
and let local residents know that you're doing your part to support the
local economy.
* Supporter - $100 to $500
Listing in directory with your logo next to it.
* Sponsor - $501 to $1000
Listing in directory with logo next to it and a business card size ad.
* Sustainer - $1001 to $2500
Listing in directory with logo next to it and a business card size ad
and business listed on the inside back page.
* Benefactor - $2501 and up
Listing in directory with logo next to it and a business card size ad
and logo on back page.
Click here to download our
membership form. We will include Local
Options Directory advertising information along with your
other membership materials.
2. Give in-kind donations. Can your business or organization help in
some way besides donating cash? Let us know!
3. Volunteer. Help us by donating some of your time
to outreach to independent businesses.
4. Spread the word. Do you know Humboldt independent
business owners? Let them know about this project.
Click here to
list your business in the Local Options Directory.
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