LEADING LOCAL LIVING
In the spring of 2012, we were walking around downtown Indianapolis looking for some place local for dinner. We threw out a restaurant name and Mel asked… Is it local?
That simple question became a much bigger conversation and our company Indiana Originals was born. When you see the badge, you know you are supporting local Indiana businesses. Apply for business membership today by clicking join and search our directory and download our free app powered by Freedom Foods. Indiana Originals… Leading Local Living.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

Jenny FoxChef Jenny Fox
"Indiana Originals has been an integral part of me making the right connections! I had very few useful connections when I started my business. Mel has connected me to lots of people directly and indirectly that have greatly helped me in my business. It is always nice to know other people know your struggles and triumphs! "

Jenn KampmeierVino Mobile Wine Bar
"Owning a small business can be exciting and also a daunting task. So many questions on what to do and how to do it.
Indiana Originals is a platform in which I can connect with small business owners. I have attended many of their events and I enjoy talking and brainstorming with other business owners.
My company was one of the Charter businesses and I am very grateful for Mel and Lance in starting this company.
I highly recommend becoming a member and connecting with other local business owners."

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.
LATEST BLOG POSTS
We're Hiring!
Indiana Originals is looking for a part-time content manager...
Paycheck Protection Program Updates
PPP Opens for First Draw PPP Loan Applications
Shop Art, Shop Local with The Hoosier Artisan Online Holiday Market
Shop art! Shop local! Indiana Originals' Mel McMahon, introduces us to The Hoosier Artisan Online Holiday Market!
Shop Small Saturday Specials from our Indiana Originals
Our Indiana Originals have special deals ready for you on Shop Small Saturday!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Indiana Originals University - January
Do you know the formula for turning customer service into customer growth and retention?
IBA LIVE Webinar Series with Managing Partner Ed Mysogland
Is this the year you should consider the sale of your business?
Indiana Originals Online Member Meet-Up February
We're getting together online! Join us for the Indiana Originals Online Member Meet-Up.
Indiana Originals Online Member Meet-Up March
We're getting together online! Join us for the Indiana Originals Member Meet-Up.
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.
