Build Alternatives to Big Boxes

News From the Trenches!

Stratford, ON (May 20, 2010) — A provincial board in Ontario has upheld the city of Stratford's decision to reject proposals for a cluster of new stores, including a Wal-Mart supercenter, ruling that the proposals "are neither in the public interest nor represent good planning."

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The following detail strategies for rebuilding locally owned businesses and transforming your campaign into a proactive initiative to strengthen the local economy.

Note on copyright - These fact sheets are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License. This means you are free to print, copy and distribute them, provided it is for noncommercial purposes and you do not alter them in any way.

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How to Start a Buy Local Campaign
Buy local campaigns are changing people's shopping habits in cities across the country. Learn how to launch one in your community. (4 pages)

How to Launch a Community-Owned Store
Citizens in a number of towns have formed community corporations, raised capital through local stock issues, and opened their own department stores. (6 pages)

Innovative Financing Initiatives to Spur Local Retail Development
A model program to bring new grocery stores to underserved urban and rural communities.

Revitalize a Downtown or Neighborhood Business District - Coming soon!
A healthy downtown or neighborhood business district is the perfect habitat for growing locally owned businesses.