American Independent Business Alliance

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of local independent businesses. It helps communities launch, sustain and network Independent Business Alliances (IBA). These local alliances work to strengthen and sustain community-based businesses while preventing chains from driving out locals. IBAs also promote citizen engagement over development of their communities.

AMIBA defines a local independent business as:

  • Private, employee, community or cooperative ownership
  • Owned in majority by area resident(s)
  • Full decision-making function for the business lies with its owner(s)
  • No more than six outlets, bases of operation lie within a single state

The organization was incorporated in 2001 by Jeff Milchen and Jennifer Rockne, who previously organized the Boulder Independent Business Alliance (in Colorado), the first such alliance in the U.S.

As of January 2007, the organization's website listed 31 local affiliates in the U.S., and one in Canada.


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