Support Local
Our economic development strategies in Andersonville are the result of years of data-driven study; input from local business owners, commercial property owners, and residents; and collaboration with our local officials. We can’t speak for the Andersonville residents’ councils, but know that their strategies are based on deep engagement with their constituents. All of the Andersonville groups are engaged in issues advocacy in Andersonville, with well-structured mechanisms for input from their members and a clear sanction from their members to have the groups represent their needs to our local elected officials.
Small business is defined as a privately owned corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship that has fewer employees and less annual revenue than a corporation or regular-sized business. The definition of "small"—in terms of being able to apply for government support and qualify for preferential tax policy—varies by country and industry. The U.S. Small Business Administration defines a small business according to a set of standards based on specific industries.
Locally Owned Business is a private, worker, community or cooperative ownership that is at least 50% locally-owned. This means the owners live within a 10 mile geographic area where the business is located.
Local chain stores have three or more locations within a city, township, or central metropolitan area that share a brand, central management and standardized business practices and is not found outside that 10 mile geographic area where the business.
Local Franchise is a franchise retail, restaurant, service or health and wellness establishment is one form of chain store and this means the owners live in the geographic area where the business is located.
Regional/National Chain/Franchise means an entity that operates under substantially the same name in three or more states, regardless of ownership structure regarding the individual entities, share a brand, central management and standardized business practices.
International chain and international franchise means an entity that operates under substantially the same name in two or more countries, regardless of ownership structure regarding the individual entities, share a brand, central management and standardized business practices.
A big-box store is a physically large retail establishment, usually part of a chain of stores. Big-box stores have two categories: general merchandise and specialty stores which specialize in a genre of goods.
Property Owners and property managers are the initial folks that interested Andersonville businesses reach out to inquire about any vacancies, lease renewals, or if the property is for sale. That is legally the decision of the owner of that property. Property Management and ownership information is commonly found on properties and online for more information.
There are options that folks can use to support their business community!
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Join your Block Club: If you don’t know who your block club is or when they meet you can always check your Alders website. Block club map. These are usually the first stop for folks who are invited from both the Alders office and the Chamber to have these discussions.
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Join your Alders Newsletter to find out more about developments
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Like, follow and subscribe to the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce media to find out stores that are opening.
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Most importantly your time, money and energy spent on locally, independently owned businesses has more power than you will ever know. Know where your money goes and ask questions.
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If you see a local business in another neighborhood that you would like to see open a second or third location then let them know that you live and shop local and would love to have their business in the neighborhood because we don’t have anything like it.
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Be present, mindful, and active in policy that affects small business.
2022 Press Release | Click Here
2021 Andersonville Open for Business | Click Here
2004 Andersonville Study of Retail Economics | Click Here
2004 The Chicago Reader | Click Here
Crain’s Business Article | Click Here