What is a Local Business?

What Is a Local Business?

(Adapted from BALLE membership requirements)

A locally-owned independent business, nonprofit, or farm:

1. Is held privately and not publicly traded
2. Is one whose owners have a controlling interest (>50%) and reside in South Central Indiana
3. Is registered in Indiana with no corporate or national headquarters outside of Monroe County (Farms need to be located within 100 miles of Monroe County.)
4. Is one whose owners have full autonomy to make independent decisions regarding their unique business and its purchasing, operations, and distribution, as well as the business name, image, and advertising
5. Is one that pays for all of its own marketing, rent, and other business expenses without assistance from or payment to a corporate headquarters

If you wish to learn more about why we define a local business in this way, please read The Intent Behind “What Is a Local Business?”