Consumer preferences in relation to business ownership
Almost 93% prefer to buy from locally owned businesses
Do you prefer to purchase goods or services from locally owned businesses?
Yes
92.6%
No
7.4%
Only 7% of consumers say local ownership is not important to them
How important is local ownership of small businesses to you?
Very important
59.3%
Important
33.3%
Neutral
3.7%
Not important
3.7%
Not important at all
0%
96% of people pay attention to whether a business is locally owned and operated
When making purchasing decisions, do you pay attention to whether a business is locally owned and operated?
Yes
59.3%
No
3.7%
Sometimes
37%
Local ownership is a significant factor for 78% of purchasing decisions
How much does your knowledge of who owns the business matter in your purchasing decision-making?
Always
44.4%
Often
33.3%
Sometimes
11.1%
Rarely
11.1%
Not at all
0%
70% of respondents check information about local businesses online
How do you find out whether a business is locally-owned or owner-operated today?
I check online
70.4%
I ask them
14.8%
They tell me
3.7%
I can’t
11.1%
Certify your business as locally owned & Operated
Stand out and build trust with customers who prioritize supporting local businesses. Our Locally Owned and Operated certification verifies your commitment to the community, helping you attract loyal patrons dedicated to keeping their spending local.
Complete a quick, straightforward application to verify your local ownership.
2
Get Certified
Once approved, you’ll receive your free certification materials.
3
Promote your certification
Start attracting customers who value supporting local businesses like yours.
how it works
1
Apply
Complete a quick, straightforward application to verify your local ownership.
2
Get Certified
Once approved, you’ll receive your free certification materials.
3
Promote your certification
Start attracting customers who value supporting local businesses like yours.
Join a Growing Movement of Local Businesses
Certification is fast, free, and helps your business stand out. Become part of a network dedicated to keeping communities strong, one local business at a time.
American Operator helps keep businesses local by transitioning ownership of great small businesses from retiring owners to local industry operators. We give owners an alternative to selling to private equity firms that may disrupt their legacy, while creating opportunities for the next generation of hard-working Americans to own and lead businesses in their communities. We run the Locally Owned and Operated certification program completely free of cost to applicants because we believe local ownership is the backbone of American communities and should be visible and valued. As local businesses continue to be bought by private equity firms, customers often cannot tell the difference between independently owned businesses and those backed by large institutions.
Certification makes your commitment to local ownership clear. It helps you attract customers who value local service, demonstrate your investment in the community, and signal your commitment to remaining locally owned and operated for the long haul.
Is certification really free?
Yes! There’s no cost to apply or receive your certification materials.
How long does it take?
- Filling out the application form takes less than 5 minutes.
- Applications are typically reviewed within 2 business days.
How do you verify we are locally owned?
We use the information you provide in your application, along with publicly available information to certify your status. We may also contact you using the contact information you provide in your application to verify details.
Who qualifies the business?
- Independently owned businesses based in the local community.
- Businesses with majority local ownership and decision-making authority.
new businesses everyday
Find other certified businesses
Discover and support independent businesses in your area with our easy-to-use tool. Choosing local over corporate chains helps retain jobs, revenue, and ownership within your community. Start exploring today!
“Being locally owned and operated has allowed me to give back to the community and also allowed me to provide jobs on a local level to more people.”
Taylor F.,
Owner of The Covered Patio, Titan Garage Flooring, and Titan Concrete
“Being locally owned and operated, with the added veteran aspect, brings everything together much more and isn't about being the highest paid company out there, but providing the highest result to all customers.”
Darren N.,
Owner of Cleaners of Arizona
“Keeping J. Ross locally owned and operated isn’t just business—it’s a commitment. Every decision we make impacts our team, families, and customers. When you hire us, you’re working with people who live, work, and care about this community—not a faceless corporation. Staying local means better service, stronger relationships, and reinvesting in the place we call home.”
Jeremy Y.,
Owner of J. Ross Painting & Drywall
Certified and proud
Here’s what local business owners are saying
“Being locally owned and operated has allowed me to give back to the community and also allowed me to provide jobs on a local level to more people.”
Taylor F.,
Owner of The Covered Patio, Titan Garage Flooring, and Titan Concrete
“Being locally owned and operated, with the added veteran aspect, brings everything together much more and isn't about being the highest paid company out there, but providing the highest result to all customers.”
Darren N.,
Owner of Cleaners of Arizona
“Keeping J. Ross locally owned and operated isn’t just business—it’s a commitment. Every decision we make impacts our team, families, and customers. When you hire us, you’re working with people who live, work, and care about this community—not a faceless corporation. Staying local means better service, stronger relationships, and reinvesting in the place we call home.”
Jeremy Y.,
Owner of J. Ross Painting & Drywall
Join hundreds of certified local businesses
Be part of a growing network of locally owned businesses proudly making a difference in their communities. Certification is free, fast, and easy—and it helps customers find and support businesses like yours.
