“Even though I had long preferred my local coffee shop to Starbucks, I hadn’t heard the term “localist” before encountering BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies), a network of people dedicated to “restoring community through local businesses.” I attended their conference in Phoenix this year, where I had the opportunity to learn about the localist movement and listen to presentations by founders of pioneering social entrepreneurial companies like Community Sourced Capital and Dankso. I met community organizers focused on local food systems and economic empowerment and chatted with small business owners that understand they are a part of a social movement beyond the doors of their brick and mortar stores.
Here are three insights from the BALLE conference that individuals can use to become part of the localist movement in a holistic and meaningful way:”
