About Us

Since our formation in 2006, Think Local First DC has been dedicated to supporting local independent businesses in our nation’s capital. Our mission is to support responsible local business(es) and create the conditions in which they thrive; in order to make Washington, DC. a more vibrant, inclusive and equitable place to live, work and play.

Our core values are:

Integrity We live our values by shopping, living, and engaging locally
Equity We aspire to level the playing field and promote diversity
Vibrant Prosperity We honor the relationships and resources we have
Entrepreneurship We bring our business mindset to our organization and decisions

Our History

2006

Think Local First DC was formed by the non-profit Latino Economic Development Corporation.

2007

Appeared on the Kojo Nnamdi Show to discuss competition local businesses face against national chains.

2007

Kim Weeks, of Boundless Yoga, and Andy Shallal, of Busboys and Poets, named Co-Chairs.

2008

Joined the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE), a nationwide network of 20,000 entrepreneurs dedicated to building strong local economies.

2009

“Think Local, Drink Local” mixers brought the community together.

2010

More than 150 businesses in D.C. proudly displayed the Think Local First sticker in their storefront.

2011

Gina Schaeffer of Logan’s Hardware, a retail co-op, named Board Chairman.

2012

Encouraged D.C. residents to sign the “Shop Outside The Big Box Pledge.”

2012

Hosted a series of events for aspiring entrepreneurs.

2012

Launched the Original Made in DC program

2013

Co-Sponsored DC Brau’s 1st Annual Holiday Marketplace.

2013

Launched Locals Unplugged, a monthly two-hour business breakfast that educated and connected entrepreneurs.

2014

Kicked-off Do Good Week, a celebration of smart growth and social enterprise in D.C.

2014

Connected business owners, community builders, and D.C. decision makers during Developer Dinner series.

2015

Worked with City Council to pass Made In DC legislation and secured funding to support the creative economy.

2015

Partnered with the Green Impact Campaign to save local businesses more than $100k through free energy assessments.

2016

Launched the Made In DC program with DSLBD, enrolling and supporting more than 170 businesses that produce locally-made products.

2017

Informed the creation of the Mayor’s Economic Development Strategy Plan.

2017

Surpassed 9.7k followers on Twitter, 4.3k followers on Facebook and 3.6k on Instagram.