A MESSAGE FROM OUR CO-FOUNDERS:
It’s a really difficult time for independent businesses. Protocols constantly change, and we continue to spread the word of how to best help our members.
Some of our members have temporarily closed, but most of them are open for business! Support them by buying gift cards to use later, leave positive reviews on social sites, take advantage of online sales. Keep appointments over video or phone, postpone events instead of canceling them, and share specials with your friends. Check on your business owner friends, too.
Our mission at Indiana Originals is to create healthier, stronger communities and more jobs in Indiana. Write us, call us, or reach out to us on social media for help at any time. Not already a business member? Take advantage of our special offer. All enrollment fees are waived until further notice. Our basic monthly membership level is free until May 1 with the discount code HOOSIER.
Take care of each other,
Mel & Lance
Search Indiana Locals
Studies consistently show that independent businesses return three to five times more money to their local communities than chains based out of state.
WHAT IS AN INDIANA ORIGINAL?
INDIANA OWNED & OPERATED
Headquartered in Indiana
FRANCHISE FREE*
Our members want to stand out from their national competitors. At Indiana Originals, we bring together the innovators, idealists, community builders, and business owners that create healthier, stronger communities and more jobs in Indiana. We exist to encourage a local preference and facilitate greater use of local services, art, food, and more. Every business on IndianaOriginals.com is locally owned and operated, headquartered here, and not part of an out-of-state franchise or chain. When you see the badge, you know you are supporting local.
Learn more about franchises here.*
HERE'S WHAT OUR MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY
David GlennCoasterStone
"Indiana Originals connects me with local, like-minded business owners that share the same challenges and victories that come along with ownership. Mel is a huge support and has given us access to marketing opportunities we otherwise wouldn’t have. With her help, we even filled our office building exclusively with fellow Indiana Originals members. If you are not an Original, now is the time to get on board."
Joana WadeJavAroma Roasters
"Indiana Originals is dedicated to their vision to highlight and promote Indiana businesses! They have created a great website and networking outlet to showcase their members, and JavAroma Roasters' is happy to be a part of this local movement. As a small business owner, the market can be taunting because it is so competitive. This is why becoming an Indiana Original is important. It brings awareness of the importance of supporting local companies, which leads to creating a loyal customer base once they understand the story behind the products. Thank you Indiana Originals for all the hard work."
Dave VanWyeAmazing Hazels
"In 2016, Mel tasted my chili sauce and told me I needed to start selling it. She and her husband Lance took me under their wing and helped me turn my hobby into a business. Now my chili sauce is in 45 retail locations and I have added an award winning Bloody Mary Mix to my product line. Without Lance and Mel, Amazing Hazels would not exist!"
Janet FitzgeraldSipe Service Connections, Inc.
"I recently took advantage of a promotional offer for Indiana Originals Members. I am pleased to say a fellow Original took advantage of my “buy one, get one free” mystery shop and is now a regular client and improving their business. Thank you, Indiana Originals!"
Kristina MazzaHoagies & Hops
"Small business owners face many challenges including finding enough time in the day to accomplish operating goals and finding new ways to promote the business. I joined Indiana Originals over two years ago. I have been able to host two Originals mixers and advertise with Mel on the radio. Indiana Originals has helped me to showcase my brand and network with other Originals. We love cross promoting our companies!"
Cori DrudgeRuoff Home Mortgage
“How powerful to build a network of like-minded individuals! When I need a service provider at home, I prefer using someone local and I value the relationships with business owners in my community. I prefer to work with local business people, too! Great local companies are just a click away. If you are an Indiana-based company, you need to be a part of this. A++ Mel, keep up the great work!”
Tifney FieldsComprehensive Retirement Solutions
"In our marketing plan, I made a strategic decision to partner with Indiana Originals. They put an emphasis on building up smaller businesses by providing big business discounts on advertising and other business services. They are an independent business that knows what other independent businesses need, and they connect us with other Originals to create strategic partnerships."
IS YOUR BUSINESS AN INDIANA ORIGINAL?
MAKE IT OFFICIALOUR MEMBERS BRING A LOT TO THE TABLE
Buying local is more than just a trend—it’s vital for healthy, thriving communities. Thriving communities are nurtured by local businesses. Buying from Indiana Original businesses connects producers and consumers in a way that national chains don’t. We continuously look for ways to partner with national companies, but we always keep in mind that local ownership means roots in the community and influence in the decisions affecting our lives and our local environment.
FEATURED INDIANA ORIGINALS
Vino Mobile Bar
Meet ‘Vinny’ the Vino Mobile Bar, our chic mobile wine truck is the perfect addition to your private, public or corporate event.
Indianapolis Airport Authority
The Indianapolis Airport Authority is committed to fostering world-class service to enhance our community and to meet customers’ needs.
B & W Plumbing Heating Cooling & Drains
Your “Professional In The Big Black Truck” brings the experience, the know-how, and the commitment to get the job done right.
Freedom Foods
Freedom Foods has the capability to provide fresh, organically grown produce year around.
We Dine Indy
We offer gift cards, point of sales systems, service training programs, and more!
Borshoff Consulting, LLC
We at Borshoff Consulting believe that everyone deserves quality tax representation.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
How to Market During a Pandemic
We're hosting FREE virtual #loveofsmallbiz discussions every Thursday at 11:00 am EST
Delta Theta Tau's 37th Annual Crafty Bear Fare
Free admission! We will have several vendors with quality handmade items and good food (breakfast and lunch) at the concession stand.
For content professionals from all corners of the media, entertainment and technology ecosystem.
3 Little Birds Market
Join the 3 Little Birds Market and support our local boutique, vintage and hand-made, up-cycled businesses.
BELONG TO OUR COMMUNITY
LEARN MOREWHY LOCAL MATTERS
Buying local is more than just a trend. It’s imperative for healthy, vibrant communities. Thriving communities are nurtured by local businesses. When dollars are spent locally, they are more likely to be recirculated locally, raising the overall level of economic activity, paying more salaries and building the local tax base.
ENJOY THE ECONOMIC BENEFITSWhen you spend your money with local businesses, you help pump money back into the local economy through taxes, payroll, and purchases. This means more money for our roads, education, health and wellness resources, other services, new jobs, libraries, and more. Most local business owners agree that money made in our community should stay in our community.
YOUR MONEY, YOUR COMMUNITYFor every $100 spent locally, at least $68 of that stays in the local economy. That means each dollar you spend at an independent business returns three times more money to your local economy than a dollar spent at a national chain. – Source: “The Multiplier Effect of Local Business Ownership” by consulting firm Civic Economics
CONNECT WITH NEIGHBORSBuying local connects producers and consumers in a way that national companies just can’t. Local ownership means roots in the community and influence in decisions affecting our lives and our local environment. The stronger the relationship between our residents and our job creators, the greater the opportunity for healthy, vibrant communities.
SUPPORT A HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENTIndependent, locally owned businesses typically consume less land, carry more locally-made products, and are located closer to their customers creating less traffic and air pollution. –Source: “Neighborhood stores: An overlooked strategy for fighting global warming” by Stacy Mitchell, Grist.
