Local Business Alliance™s (LBAs) and Chambers of Commerce both aim to support businesses, but they do so in distinct ways. In places like Douglas County, Colorado — a rapidly growing area — these differences have become especially clear.

As Douglas County expanded in recent years, independent businesses found themselves navigating complex local regulations often “without a seat at the table,” highlighting the need for a focused advocate. That need inspired the relaunch of the Douglas County Local Business Alliance™ in 2025 — a trusted champion for independently owned businesses who need advocacy, visibility, and real community support.

This article explores how an LBA differs from a traditional Chamber of Commerce, and how the two can work together to create a more resilient local economy.

Membership: Supporting the Little Guy

One of the most important distinctions between a Local Business Alliance™ and a Chamber of Commerce is who the organization is designed to serve.

The Local Business Alliance™ exists specifically to support independently owned, locally operated businesses. These are the mom-and-pop shops, sole proprietors, local service providers, and family-run companies that often operate without the safety net of a corporate team. They’re the ones who need help the most — whether it’s navigating permitting, getting found online, or simply being heard.

That doesn’t mean franchises and larger businesses don’t invest in the community — many do. But they often have internal resources, legal departments, or executive teams to guide them. Independent businesses rarely have that luxury.

That’s why the LBA’s core membership is focused solely on the little guy. By limiting membership to truly independent businesses, we ensure our resources go where they’re needed most.

That said, we also recognize that everyone can bring value. For larger businesses and corporations that want to support local independents, we plan to launch a special “Friends of DCLBA” mentoring membership in the near future — giving those with resources a meaningful way to lift others up.

Chambers of Commerce, by design, take an inclusive approach. They welcome all types of businesses — from local independents to national chains, government organizations, and multinational corporations with local branches. Their goal is to support the broader business environment as a whole.

In the end, Chambers and LBAs serve different — but complementary — roles. The Chamber helps foster regional economic growth for everyone. The LBA exists to make sure the smallest players have someone in their corner.

Organizational Independence and Funding

Another key difference lies in how each organization is structured and funded, which greatly influences their priorities.

Local Business Alliance™ Independence: Most LBAs pride themselves on being fiercely independent, free from outside influence. The Douglas County Local Business Alliance™, for example, does not accept any funding from city councils or government grants. Instead, it operates entirely on member dues and private local support.

This ensures the Alliance is beholden only to its members. There’s no need to tiptoe around decisions that may upset big donors or political partners. The result? The LBA can advocate boldly and directly for local business interests — without compromise.

Chamber of Commerce Funding: Chambers of Commerce are typically nonprofit organizations, often classified as 501(c)(6). While they do rely on membership dues, many also accept sponsorships from large corporations, host city-supported events, or receive public grants.

This diversified funding model provides access to more resources, allowing Chambers to run large-scale programs. However, it may also result in the need to balance competing interests among small businesses, big employers, and government entities.

Ultimately, the LBA’s 100% independence allows it to be a fearless advocate for local independents, while Chambers tend to operate within a more complex ecosystem of influence. Both models have value — one provides unfiltered advocacy, the other, access to broader partnerships.

Advocacy Scope and Focus

Both Chambers of Commerce and Local Business Alliance™s advocate for businesses — but what they advocate for, and where they do it, are very different.

Chambers of Commerce often operate at a higher level, focusing on city-wide economic development, state-level legislation, and big-picture policy initiatives. They work with elected officials, lobby for pro-business regulations, and advocate for things like transportation funding, tax incentives, and workforce development programs. This is critical work — especially for regional growth and infrastructure.

Local Business Alliance™s, by contrast, focus hyper-locally. We’re in the room when town councils vote on signage restrictions. We show up when zoning changes could impact a row of locally owned shops. We speak up when permitting becomes overly complex or when small businesses are left out of planning discussions.

Because the LBA doesn’t rely on city funding or corporate sponsorships, we can advocate without hesitation. We’re not worried about upsetting donors or stepping on toes — we’re worried about our members and their ability to keep their doors open.

Together, Chambers and LBAs provide two layers of advocacy. The Chamber works on broad, structural policy. The LBA makes sure independent businesses are heard in day-to-day decisions — especially at the town and county level where rules are made that directly affect them.

Community Education: Shop Local Mission

One of the Local Business Alliance™’s most important roles is educating the community on why shopping local matters — not just during Small Business Saturday, but year-round.

We invest in ongoing awareness campaigns through social media, in-person events, storytelling, local business spotlights, and promotional campaigns that help everyday residents understand the real impact of their choices.

When you shop at a locally owned business, more of your money stays right here — supporting local jobs, funding local taxes, and helping neighbors reinvest in the community. It’s not just a purchase — it’s a statement of support.

While many Chambers of Commerce also support shop local initiatives — especially during holidays or as part of broader economic development efforts — the Local Business Alliance™ makes it a core mission. It’s not one campaign; it’s our way of life.

Our members don’t have national advertising budgets. What they have is us — and we make sure the community knows exactly why choosing local first matters more than ever.

Training and Expert Support

Running a small business today takes more than hustle — it takes real skills. That’s why the Local Business Alliance™ offers members training led by real experts in areas that matter most to local entrepreneurs.

From understanding how to navigate AI, to mastering SEO, to building a social media presence, to planning for a business sale or succession — we bring in professionals who’ve done it, not just talked about it.

Our goal is to give local business owners the same competitive tools that big companies use, but in a way that’s approachable, affordable, and local-first.

Chambers of Commerce also offer workshops and seminars — often in partnership with business service providers or government programs. These can be excellent general resources, especially for learning about regulations or workforce development initiatives.

The difference is in the depth and focus. Our trainings are built specifically for independent businesses. We don’t waste time on theory — we get straight to solutions tailored for the business owner who wears all the hats.

Marketing and Member Visibility

Many independent business owners simply don’t have time or budget to run large-scale marketing campaigns. That’s where the Local Business Alliance™ steps in — we operate like a marketing co-op for our members.

When a customer sees our campaign — online, in print, or at an event — they’re seeing you. Our goal is to lift the visibility of all members by showcasing local stories, spotlighting businesses, and coordinating campaigns that drive traffic, attention, and trust.

Whether it’s video interviews, social media features, shop local guides, or seasonal promotions — we turn our membership dues into real-world marketing power that no one business could achieve alone.

Chambers of Commerce also promote their members, typically through directories, ribbon cuttings, press releases, and occasional spotlights. These help with credibility and local exposure — but they usually rely on each member to handle their own outreach.

With the LBA, marketing is baked into the membership. Our success is measured by your visibility — and we treat it like a shared mission.

Complementary Roles — Not Competitors

Some people see the Local Business Alliance™ and the Chamber of Commerce as competitors — but we see it differently. These organizations serve different needs, and when they work in parallel, the entire business community benefits.

Chambers offer wide reach and institutional power. They advocate at the state level, work on large-scale development projects, and often have long-standing relationships with city staff, regional partnerships, and economic development councils.

The LBA offers agility, focus, and grassroots energy. We rally around small businesses. We take immediate action on issues like signage, permitting, and unfair policy. And we’re not bound by city funding or corporate influence — we’re free to speak up when local businesses are overlooked.

When both organizations are active in a community, you get the best of both worlds: top-down support and bottom-up momentum.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to connect with local independents or a larger organization seeking to support the local economy — there’s a role for everyone in this ecosystem.

How to Get Involved

If you’re a locally owned, independent business in Douglas County, now is the time to get involved. The Local Business Alliance™ was built for you — to give you a stronger voice, more visibility, and a community that understands what it means to stand on your own.

Visit douglascountyco.com to learn more about membership, upcoming events, and how we’re working to protect and promote the businesses that make our community unique.

And if you’re already a member of your local Chamber of Commerce — that’s great. You don’t have to choose one over the other. These organizations serve different roles, and together, they form a powerful foundation for local economic resilience.

When small businesses thrive, communities thrive. Let’s keep building something great — together.