Think Local First | DC Locals Mean Business!

Our Vision

We envision an interconnected community of locally-owned businesses who drive sustainable economic development in Washington DC.

Our Mission

Working with independent businesses, consumers and policymakers to grow a sustainable, local economy in Washington DC.

Our Values

COMMUNITY SELF-RELIANCE: We value meeting local needs with local solutions. Independent and locally owned businesses are at the heart of creating an interdependent, sustainable, resilient community.

DIVERSITY: We celebrate and nurture the full range of our communities’ assets, perspectives and voices. We understand that the broadest possible participation of different cultures in our work is vital to our relevance in our community.

RESPECT FOR THE PLANET: Every decision we make affects the vitality of our ecosystem, the health of all species and the availability of the resources that support life. We seek to integrate our activities with natural systems in order to create real and lasting prosperity.

SHARED PROSPERITY: We understand that by providing fair and equitable opportunities, everyone benefits – the individual, the business and the community. We value meaningful living wage jobs, opportunities for broad-based business ownership, fair trade, and living returns from our capital.

OPTIMISM: We work to build a better life tomorrow by working on living a better life today.  We are committed to the “possible” by continually driving toward a positive outcome for all.

AUTHENTICITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: We seek to maintain honest, meaningful and caring relationships with our stakeholders. We act responsibly and with the utmost integrity in order to effectively fulfill our mission.

PIONEERING LEADERSHIP: We believe that to be truly dedicated to our values, we must be courageous and innovative. We will serve as role models for other businesses, organizations and community members.