Equitable Local Economies
Equitable local economies dismantle barriers to opportunities and outcomes for historically disadvantaged populations and ensure that local money stays and benefits local people and communities. By centering locally-owned and BIPOC-owned businesses, cities build prosperity and resilience that lifts all boats.
Small Business Ecosystem Design and Support
Community Allies helps amplify the impact of small business support, policy, and capital providers by providing structure to coordinate their efforts so that they can work together towards common goals and guide businesses to the services they need.
“Local First” Advocacy and Policy
Community Allies shows communities how to build economic vitality and celebrate their unique culture by supporting locally-owned businesses and shifting public policy to growing economic strength from within.
Equitable Economic Development
Community Allies helps shift policy and practice to support businesses owned by people of color and other disadvantaged populations, so that every member of a community can share in and benefit from economic growth.
Vibrant Neighborhood Commercial Districts
Community Allies helps communities attract and support local entrepreneurs and build and manage a thriving neighborhood commercial district with a unique sense of place.
"Community Allies set the standard for neighborhood-based ecosystems development for independent businesses."
– James Johnson-Piett, Principal and CEO, Urbane Development
"Ellen helped to launch the local living economies movement and has been one of its most skillful and energetic leaders since the beginning."
– David Korten, Founder & President, The Living Economies Forum
"Ellen’s thought leadership and practical implementation of the localism movement influenced communities all over the world."
– Elissa Sangalli, CEO, Northern Initiatives
“Community Allies’ small business ecosystem process was insightful and sensitive to local dynamics.”
– Tsedey Betru, Director, Partnership for Southern Equity
“Hundreds of communities and practioners have looked to Ellen to learn her game-changing approach to Localism and local economic development.”
– Sara Dinges, Director, Pittsburgh Strip District Neighbors
"Community Allies' commitment to local economies and equitable opportunity are reflected in their work in communities throughout the country."
– Jamee Haley, Executive Director, Low Country Local First
"Ellen really understands the ecosystem of a neighborhood -- especially what it takes to create a vibrant, memorable place."
– Gina Caruso, Assistant Commissioner, City of Chicago Small Business Center
Community Allies helps business support and capital providers and policy makers build a coordinated effort to address inequities for small business owners of color.
Community Allies leads engagement and develops a community of practice to support equitable outcomes for small business owners of color.
Community Allies co-leads the development of an initiative to drive sales to San Antonio’s diverse locally-owned businesses.
