LEADING LOCAL LIVING
In the spring of 2012, we were walking around downtown Indianapolis looking for some place local for dinner. We threw out a restaurant name and Mel asked… Is it local?
That simple question became a much bigger conversation and our company Indiana Originals was born. When you see the badge, you know you are supporting local Indiana businesses. Apply for business membership today by clicking join and search our directory and download our free app powered by Freedom Foods. Indiana Originals… Leading Local Living.Search Indiana Locals
Studies consistently show that independent businesses return three to five times more money to their local communities than chains based out of state.
WE MAKE IT EASIER TO SUPPORT LOCAL, INDIANA OWNED BUSINESSES
INDIANA OWNED & OPERATED
Roots in our State
Originals and Franchises
IndianaOwned.com is a website dedicated to promoting and supporting local businesses in Indiana. It serves as a directory of Indiana-based businesses that have been certified local. Through the promotion of products, places, and service providers, IndianaOwned.com encourages consumers to support local business and nonprofits and the people creating healthier, stronger communities and more jobs in Indiana.
HOW WE'VE HELPED OUR MEMBERS
Beth RovazziniB&W Plumbing Heating Cooling and Drains
"Quality of life matters. The quality of life in a community is created and maintained by the people that live and work there. Local business hire local people to work in their businesses and to provide services to their business. Local is your community. Local businesses sponsor and participate in youth sports, parades and other events. If we don't support their businesses they can't support our communities."
Eric KlinkowskiSmokEy Lights
"SmokEy Lights has lamp customers across the United States, but almost all of our business originates in Indiana through word of mouth. Being a member of Indiana Originals assures our fans that they are supporting a locally owned company that invests in their community and causes."
Melissa Stecher Hopeful Simplicity
"Being an Indiana Original lets me share locally for local lookers. Starting at home to help people in the community is always a focus for me and my business. We’ve got to help those closest to us and spread hope outward into the local community."
Sandra DayPurple Ribbon Office Solutions LLC
"I love supporting local Indiana owned businesses and I am proud to be a Indiana Owned, women-owned business! Although Purple Ribbon is new to Indiana Owned, I love the strong communication between the members and the community engagement."
Grace SimmonsMabel Grace Crafts
"Being a part of Indiana Originals has been a great experience for me. I love supporting local businesses and seeing the logo just marks that for me, as well as people who want to shop with me. I was actually featured on Indy Style at the suggestion of Mel with Indiana Originals. I would not have had that opportunity without them."
Dave MeekerBringing Technology to You LLC
"Before the pandemic, Indiana Originals introduced me to unique entrepreneurs that believe in creating stronger communities. During the pandemic, their 'Local Matters' podcast provided a unique 'on air' opportunity that led to 3 other media interviews. They offer many ways to participate in the community."
KJ McGlinn KJ Media Company
"Starting off as a new entrepreneur, Indiana Originals has helped me in learning how to market my business, network, and connect in meaningful ways to other local businesses so we can support each other."
Stephanie DailySend A Friend Lasagna
"I love being an Indiana Original! My favorite perk has been connecting with other Originals and being able to partner with them on specials that I've wanted to offer customers. We both get business, promote each other, and we're both supporting a local Indiana business. It's a win-win for everyone."
Janet Fitzgerald SipeService Connections, Inc.
"I recently took advantage of a promotional offer for Indiana Originals Members. I am pleased to say a fellow Original took advantage of my “buy one, get one free” mystery shop and is now a regular client and improving their business. Thank you, Indiana Originals!"
Kristina MazzaHoagies & Hops
"Small business owners face many challenges, including finding enough time to accomplish operating goals and while finding new ways to promote the business. As an IO member, I have been able to host two Originals mixers and advertise with Mel on the radio. Indiana Originals has helped me to showcase my brand and network with other Originals."
Denise PraulWhiteboard Learning
"Being a part of Indiana Originals brings so much exposure to my business. Mel has created so many opportunities for networking and PR for members. The member directory is invaluable. Whether I have personal or business needs I always check the Indiana Originals directory first. Supporting local business is so important."
BECAUSE SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS' BUSINESSES MATTERS
FIND LOCAL NOWLOCAL INDIANA BUSINESS OWNERS BRING A LOT TO THE TABLE
Every business on IndianaOwned.com falls into one of two categories. They are either an "Original," meaning the company is Indiana-owned and operated, headquartered here, and not part of an out-of-state chain, or they are a "Franchise Friend," meaning the franchise is Indiana-owned and operated, the owner lives here in Indiana, and is engaged in our community. Our members are business owners who want you to know they live here, work here, and play here. They are the business owners donating food to shelters, sponsoring the little league teams, and employing hundreds of thousands of people in our state. When you see the Indiana Owned badge, you know you are supporting a local business.
LATEST BLOG POSTS
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Exercise Inc. is raising funds for local charities through gift certificate purchases and donations.
$23.9 Million in USDA Funding to Support Rural Indiana Small Businesses in 2025
Exciting news for Indiana's rural businesses—USDA is rolling out $23.9 million in funding for 2025 to help you grow, innovate
Indiana Gifts and Indiana Owned Members Featured on Indy Now
It’s always an honor to spotlight the amazing products created right here in Indiana by talented local businesses.
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Hey foodies! The countdown to one of the largest culinary events in the world has started!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ALL EVENTSBELONG TO OUR COMMUNITY
LEARN MOREWHY LOCAL MATTERS
Buying local is more than just a trend. It’s imperative for healthy, vibrant communities. Thriving communities are nurtured by local businesses. When dollars are spent locally, they are more likely to be recirculated locally, raising the overall level of economic activity, paying more salaries and building the local tax base.
ENJOY THE ECONOMIC BENEFITSWhen you spend your money with local businesses, you help pump money back into the local economy through taxes, payroll, and purchases. This means more money for our roads, education, health and wellness resources, other services, new jobs, libraries, and more. Most local business owners agree that money made in our community should stay in our community.
YOUR MONEY, YOUR COMMUNITYFor every $100 spent locally, at least $68 of that stays in the local economy. That means each dollar you spend at an independent business returns three times more money to your local economy than a dollar spent at a national chain. – Source: “The Multiplier Effect of Local Business Ownership” by consulting firm Civic Economics
THE IMPACT OF FRANCHISESFranchises are a very important contributor to the economy in Indiana. As a result of the franchise business model, 16,506 local businesses provide 189,000 jobs to the Indiana economy and account for $14.5 billion of the state's economic output, and $5.4 billion of private sector payroll. * Economic Impact of Franchised Businesses, Vol IV, Sept. 2016
CONNECT WITH NEIGHBORSBuying local connects producers and consumers in a way that national companies just can’t. Local ownership means roots in the community and influence in decisions affecting our lives and our local environment. The stronger the relationship between our residents and our job creators, the greater the opportunity for healthy, vibrant communities.
SUPPORT A HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENTIndependent, locally owned businesses typically consume less land, carry more locally-made products, and are located closer to their customers creating less traffic and air pollution. –Source: “Neighborhood stores: An overlooked strategy for fighting global warming” by Stacy Mitchell, Grist.