news

This week MHBA hosted our Buzz Box on financing and capital options for small businesses. We were joined by Rob Smith of RMMFI, a local micro-finance organization doing great work with budding entrepreneurs. 

Tomorrow, the American Sustainable Business Council is hosting a webinar on this issue: how do small businesses raise necessary capital that's *also* more sustainable (from a triple-bottom-line sense)?

 The August issue of Consumer Reports reviewed where to shop for home applicances. Scoring businesses on prices, service, knowledgeable staff and ease of sale, they're reporting that indepedent retailers scored higher than big-box retailers in the areas of service and having knowledgeable staff. Independent retailers also received high marks for selection and ease of shopping. 

While getting a good price is definitely important, their report shows that shoppers want more than just the lowest bottom line. And we know that local businesses are more able to provide competent, positive service experiences. Why is that? 

Robyn Lydick

November 29th 2009

 

One of our newest members, Queen Anne Urban Bed & Breakfast, was featured today in the Denver Post for their commitment to greener business practices. You can view the article on their site, but we're also just pasting it here directly, because it's oh-so-pretty. (although, we had to remove the images & formatting because it was causing problems with our own site's format)

Also, props to the Post for choosing a great locally owned business for an extensive article.

An eco of the past

Green B&B | History and sustainability are in harmony as Milan Doshi renovates the Queen Anne.

By Susan Clotfelter
The Denver Post

Twist & Shout, one of Denver's best independent record stores and a founding member of the MHBA, publishes a seasonal printed newsletter with local news and music info. This winter's newsletter also features an article about the Mile High Business Alliance and Colorado Local First.

Local media is helping to spread the word about Buy Local Week and the important economic impact we can have this holiday season. Check out the great article written by Jen Reeder of the Carbon Valley Herald, and find out more about how you can get involved in Buy Local Week, which runs through this Friday December 5th.

This article in the London Free Press presents an interesting examination of the closing of 600 Starbucks coffee shops. She comes very close to pinpointing the strength of local biz versus the canned chain experience:

The Sunday edition of the Denver Post featured an article in the business section about the South Broadway neighborhood. Since we recently published a Local Flavor Guide™ for the local businesses between 5th Ave and Alameda, we were contacted by the nice reporter writing the story.

I do believe this is the first major print media mention of the Mile High Business Alliance, and we're feeling a bit proud to be getting the word out about local businesses and the character they bring to our neighborhoods.

A group of local businesses in Sarasota, Florida, have banded together to publish a "Passport to Independents" that encourage residents to patronize local businesses.

Jeff O'Berry, a gift and book retailer, is quoted as saying, "I wanted to participate with like-minded businesses. Local businesses are involved in the community and do things in the community."