LOCO is building stronger communities with applied research of the policies and practices of a fair and just economy, contributing to a world where resilient communities are based on shared economic prosperity.

We conduct important research on:

• The economic impact of independent businesses
• The environmental benefit of buying local
• The challenges faced by independent businesses 

We also have several Programs to support local businesses, measure impact and shift spending:

• Our BC Buy Local campaign encourages consumers and businesses to buy local products and services 
• Our Business Clinic helps local businesses in Metro Vancouver connect with service providers for free advice 
• Our Community Impact Assessment helps businesses measure and improve their impacts 

#BCBuyLocal is a consumer campaign illuminating BC Local Owned businesses, BC Local Made and BC Local Grown products to the consumers who love them. The campaign aims to:

• Showcase B.C.-owned businesses and products to the market
• Engage businesses in identifying how they are local
• Create a platform to unify and support the Buy Local message across the province

Campaign reach is driven through partnerships with a growing number of community-based networks that spread the message throughout the province to businesses and their customers.

As part of this effort, we launched BC Buy Local Week in the province in 2012, and continue to coordinate it with our partners on the first week in December each year. We work with partners throughout the year to engage businesses, provide campaign materials, help businesses develop buy local marketing, and promote the benefits of independent businesses.

 Project Profiles

Learn more at #BCBuyLocal and visit www.BCBuyLocal.com to download free digital materials and see how business and consumers engage using the hashtag #BCBuyLocal.

The Business Clinic

The Business Clinic connects small businesses to experienced local experts to help with challenging issues.

We offer:

• An affordable alternative to costly consultant fees
• Timely professional advice without a long search/vetting process

 Book The Business Clinic

Community Impact Assessment

Although many independent businesses create local jobs, businesses create the most impact when they are committed to using their business as a force for good.

We developed a Community Impact Assessment to assess the greater relative impacts of businesses committed to local sourcing, great employment practices, reduced environmental impacts, and the best social practices. 

Here are some resources to help you complete the assessment by mapping your local supply chain.

 Complete Impact Assessment