Our interactive local business directory is much more than an online phone book. In this directory, businesses have the oppportunity to share more about what they're doing to build a stronger community (such as a local purchasing program or renewable energy use) and community members can share what they like most about their experiences with local businesses.
The Power of Community
This web site is about the power of community. Your feedback and participation helps increase the relationship, accountability and transparency of businesses in the community. Business without local roots, are businesses without accountability. Let's work together to keep business real and connected to their impact on people and the planet. Start giving your feedback by creating your user account or logging in now!
The directory will grow in value as we use it. Here are some tips for finding and reviewing local businesses:
Tips for Finding Local Businesses
- Search by the business name or by related keywords by typing them into the Keywords box. (i.e., coffee shop or book store)
- Find a particular type of business by starting to type into the Category box, then click on an appropriate category from the matches that appear.
- Search by proximity by selectng a distance and entering your zip code to limit the search to businesses close by.
- Click the "Search for a Local Business" button after you've completed any combination of the prior steps.
- Matching results will be displayed on the next page. Click on a business name to see their entire listing.
Still Not finding what you're looking for?
Our directory lists over 400,000 Colorado-based businesses, but we're still improving the data. You can help by submitting a new listing for a business you love. Or, if you own a Colorado business, hop on over to find out how to get your business listed for free.
Read on for more info about our directory and what we mean by "local business."
What do we mean by local?
Most sites that help you search for "local" businesses simply mean "nearby" businesses. We aren't going to help you find your nearest chain store, we connect you with the places that provide that unique flavor in our neighborhoods - locally-owned and independently-operated businesses in Colorado. We like local businesses because they are more connected to the needs of our community and more invested in its future and well-being. Local businesses also purchase more often from other local businesses, which builds healthy economic flows.
Business Ratings & Badges
View any business listing, and you'll see a plethora of ratings and badges, from 5-star community ratings to a set of positive and less-positive badges. The purpose of these ratings is to help people find (and encourage) businesses that are providing their goods and services in a more local, more responsible, more sustainable way. Click on a badge to find out more about what it means and why we think it's important.
The most important rating is our "5-mountain Localness Rating..."
Five Mountains of Localness
We use this rating as an innovative visual cue for localness and economic impact. The mountains are an indicator of what portion of every dollar you spend at a business will re-circulate in the local economy.
Studies show that 2-5 times more of your money stays in the local economy when spent at a local business than at a national chain. Click on the mountains for more details.