Buy Local Orlando

The City of Orlando believes that supporting local businesses will result in long-term economic prosperity for our region. The City is launching a program to raise awareness of the advantages of local spending and develop innovative opportunities to highlight local and small businesses. To accomplish this, the City will:

• Champion a “Buy Local Orlando” campaign. The goal of the campaign is to educate Central Floridians to think local when considering where to make purchases while raising awareness of the benefits of choosing to buy local. “Buy Local Orlando” will keep money in our retail and business districts. According to an economic analysis, for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $45 goes back into the community and to the local tax base, and for every $100 spent at a non-local chain store, only $13 comes back to the local area.
   
• Foster partnerships with the Downtown Development Board, Orlando’s Main Street Associations and neighborhood associations to provide unique opportunities for local entrepreneurs to market their goods and services.
   
• Create a “Buy Local Orlando” toolkit that includes business assistance program information, “Buy Local Orlando” brand material, marketing tips and access to industry experts.
   
• Partner with the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau to promote opportunities residents can “Stay Local” or vacation locally and invest their travel savings into the local economy. In addition, promote opportunities for businesses to host conferences and retreats locally.
   
• Partner with Red Chair Rewards to offer ”Buy Local Orlando” arts and culture discounts to local museums, arts, and entertainment venues and groups to encourage support of local arts and entertainment opportunities.
   
• Promote Diner’s Special Night featuring reduced parking fees one night a week in the Library and Church Street Garages to increase traffic to Downtown restaurants and retail establishments.
   
• Add local preference criteria in appropriate procurements for the selection of architectural design and construction services. This year, the City will also development a program that encourages local businesses to participate in all other City procurements.