We believe…
We believe that the pursuit of owning a local business is the pursuit of happiness.
We believe that locally owned businesses run by people who care about our community are the foundation of a healthy local economy, not by creating commerce over people but by creating commerce with people.
We believe that local business is more than the exchange of money for goods and services. It is the action of needs being fulfilled, of human to human interaction. The “hello, how are you doing?” from a clerk, the smile from a waiter or a warm greeting from your favorite barista give us connectivity and a sense of place. Yes, I do need a cup of coffee. But I also need your smile, the chatter of other customers, the scent of warm pastries.
We believe that connectivity means more than 100 people in a room exchanging business cards. That’s an exchange of information. True connectivity comes from shared experiences, shared struggles, shared hopes and dreams. Local business owners share a connectivity because of who they are—they all had the ambition and courage to pursue a talent, a passion, a dream.
We believe in sharing while competing. Competition makes us all better at what we do. It compels us to push harder and strive longer. But competition should not be at the destruction of others. We all benefit from a healthy local business ecosystem and helping others is part of that.
Come join us in these beliefs. Come join your peers. Become an AIBA member.
About AIBA
The Austin independent Business Alliance is a 501(c)(6) membership organization whose mission is to promote and support locally owned businesses through advocacy, consumer education and services to our members.
• Success for the local business community
• Community involvement for AIBA and our members
• Collaboration with our members and other community organizations
• Integrity in all that we do
• Diversity in our membership and our affiliations
• Educate the public about the cultural and economic benefits of buying locally
• Promote AIBA and our members to the public
• Grow AIBA to be recognized as the voice of local business
• Advocate to government on behalf of our members about issues of concern to local business
AIBA is a strong advocate for local business at City Hall and beyond. Read more about our advocacy work.
AIBA has a 501(c)3 sister organization, the Local Economies Council.
- News & Updates
Positive Small Business Saturday News for Small and Local Retailers
This past Saturday marked the 11th Annual Small Business Saturday hailed as one of the largest shopping days of the season. Results of the American Express 2020 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey show that there is...
Austin’s reputation for loving local didn’t happen by magic. It was developed over more than a decade by amazing local businesses in partnership with AIBA. AIBA’s strong advocacy and presence for local has been instrumental in making Austin one of the most local-friendly cities in the country and that’s why I’m so proud that Wheatsville Food Co-op is a founding member of AIBA.
The Birth of a Grassroots Organization
In 2002, a group of local business owners met to explore the idea that local was a community value, that independent businesses built this city, reflect our culture and provide the things needed for a fulfilled life. They...
Read More10th Anniversary Benchmarks
In 2012 the Austin Independent Business Alliance celebrated ten years of building the local movement in Austin, Texas. As the only nonprofit exclusively representing independent businesses, AIBA has worked to engage businesses...
Read MoreLocal Economies Council A Sister Org for AiBA
AIBA has formed a sister organization to enhance our mission of supporting and promoting locally owned business. The Local Economies Council (LEC) is a 501(c)3 recognized by the IRS as a tax deductible organization. Having a...
Read More