FAQ

What does Buffalo First do?

Buffalo First educates consumers, "main street" businesses and local policy makers about how their decisions directly affect Buffalo's environmental, social and economic health. We believe that business is not an end in itself. Our decisions always have an impact on our community and we work to make sure that these impacts are positive.

How does Buffalo First do this?

Buffalo First educates the public by hosting educational events throughout the year and by publishing educational resources such as the All Local Coupon Book and our All Local Business Directory. We help businesses by hosting monthly mixers, assisting businesses with local and green procurement and by giving independent businesses a united voice to shape a stronger, healthier community. We work with local and state policy makers to establish standards that strengthen community businesses and build a greener economy.

What does it mean to "think local first"?

It means connecting with the place you call home. Your choices make a difference in our region. Even small decisions - where you eat, shop and live, what you throw away, where you spend your free time - affect the health of our community. Shopping at independent retailers, visiting farmers' markets, investing in local banks and credit unions and being conscious of your impact on the environment can all help make Buffalo more vibrant and beautiful. Buffalo First is dedicated to educating you about easy ways you can make a difference in the city we all love.

Can individuals and nonprofits join Buffalo First?

Yes! Any individual or 501(c)(3) may join Buffalo First. Find more info here.

Can any business join Buffalo First?

Only local and independent businesses can become members of Buffalo First. Non-local businesses can get involved by supporting Buffalo First with charitable donations. Buffalo First is the only nonprofit in Western New York that works primarily with local independent businesses. We do this because we believe they are an integral part of building a healthier, more vibrant community and a stronger economy. We pride ourselves on being the only fully-vetted source for independent businesses in Western New York.

What is a "local independent" business?

A local independent business meets the following 5 criteria: (1) at least half of the owners of the business live in Western New York; (2) the business is privately held (i.e. not traded on the stock market); (3) the business is headquartered in New York State (i.e. the taxes it pays help provide the public services we enjoy); (4) the business controls all of its financial and (5) business decisions (ie. it is not part of a franchise). Beware of localwashing: many non-local businesses now claim to be "local" because they know how the public values home-grown businesses.

Why does "local" matter?

Here are some reasons:

• Local spending keeps 3X more money in Buffalo.
• Locals create the most new jobs.
• Locals donate more to nonprofits.
• Local businesses often use fewer subsidies to develop.
• Locals are less likely to relocate in slow economic times.
• Local sourcing often produces less carbon.
• Local foods, businesses, organizations and practices make Buffalo unique.
• Locals are neighborhood advocates, caretakers and watchdogs.
• Locals can make decisions driven by their conscience, not decisions that maximize shareholder profit.
• Local food is fresher and better for you.

You say Buffalo First works to build a "local, green and fair" economy. What does this mean?

Some questions that we consider when we work with businesses include the following:

Local: How many generations has the business been owned in Buffalo? Is the business in an endangered independent retail sector (ex. book, grocery & hardware stores, pharmacies)? Does the business contribute to Buffalo's unique culture and identity? What are the businesses' impacts on the local economy? Does the business make charitable contributions? Does the business uses locally-sourced inputs?

Green: How environmentally sustainable is the business? For example does it use: renewable energy, LEED design, zero-waste manufacturing, composting or re-use? Does it use short-distance, low-energy supply chains?

Fair: Is the business is located in, owned by or does it employ people from low-income, under-represented communities? Do workers receive adequate pay? Is the ownership structure of the business more democratic (i.e. cooperatives, worker-owned firms, fair trade businesses and credit unions)?

All Buffalo First members proudly embody or embrace at least one of the qualities listed above. Our mission is to connect and build this community and encourage them to think about their actions in a new impactful way. We publicly acknowledge our members for improving Buffalo's economy, environment and community and educate them about how they can do more.

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