WELCOME TO LIVE LOCAL INW

WHY LIVING LOCAL MATTERS

Simply-put: The Local Multiplier Effect.

This means that every time you spend with one locally-owned independent businesses in the Inland Northwest, you are assuring that almost 50% of each purchase is recirculated again locally, compared to less than 14% of purchases at big box stores and chain restaurants.

FAQ

YOU'VE GOT QUESTIONS, WE'VE GOT ANSWERS

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions. Don't see your question addressed below? Use the contact us button below to ask us, and we'll get back to you with an answer.

WHAT IS LIVE LOCAL?

Live Local is part of a movement to reconnect local residents to their local economies by developing a digital Live Local Marketplace. This serves as a place for local consumers and businesses to find each other, and to help drive local dollars back into our communities at this critical time of economic recovery. The financial support for Live Local started with the City of Spokane and CARES Act funds, but now includes diverse regional partners including the State of Washington Department of Commerce and Innovia Foundation.

DOES IT COST TO BE PART OF THE MARKETPLACE?

No, it doesn't. Listing a business on the Live Local Marketplace is completely free. In fact, because the marketplace just makes connections, there's no hidden fees anywhere, and that's how we want it. The marketplace is also free to use for consumers. The marketplace services are paid for with generous support from the Innovia Foundation, Washington State Department of Commerce, and many others who believe in the power of local economies.

HOW WILL LIVE LOCAL HELP MY BUSINESS?

Live Local connects your business to a valuable base of regional consumers who recognize the value of spending locally to maximize the impact of every dollar spent. Some businesses are too small to reach beyond their own communities. The Live Local Marketplace helps consumers across the region find them, and for established businesses, the marketplace offers a great way to find new customers.

HOW DO I LIST MY BUSINESS?

Sign-up is simple. Complete the business registration form here, then watch your email for account confirmation complete with login and setup instructions. From there, you'll be ready to begin creating a business profile and listing products for sale on the marketplace.

HOW MANY PRODUCTS CAN MY BUSINESS LIST ON THE LIVE LOCAL INW MARKETPLACE?

Each business on the marketplace is currently limited to featuring up to ten (10) individual products, services, or deals on the Live Local Marketplace. Businesses are highly encouraged to feature top-selling or exclusive products and deals to maximize Live Local customer engagement and website referral traffic.

CAN CUSTOMERS MAKE PURCHASES DIRECTLY THROUGH THE MARKETPLACE?

No. The Live Local Marketplace does not currently provide the ability for purchases directly. Instead, we help the customer find your business we connect them directly to your business where transactions are completed online or through other means you set up for your business. This helps keep the Live Local Marketplace a free service for businesses and consumers.

CAN ANY BUSINESS LIST ON THE LIVE LOCAL MARKETPLACE?

Live Local INW provides services that benefit independent and locally-owned businesses that are part of welcoming communities across the Spokane and Palouse regions. Startups, micro, and home-based businesses, as well as women, minority, veteran, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses are especially encouraged to utilize the Live Local Marketplace. Live Local INW partners reserve the right to remove any listing or business from the free services provided.

I DON'T HAVE ANY ECOMMERCE/ONLINE STORE. CAN I STILL SELL USING THE MARKETPLACE?

Yes. Even if you don't have a website with ecommerce capability you can create an account on the Live Local Marketplace and add a PayPal "Buy Now" button. Here's how.

HOW DO I ACTIVATE THE 'VIRTUAL TIP JAR' ON MY BUSINESS LISTING?

Once your business is active with the Live Local Marketplace and you have an active donation link setup (gofundme etc.), you can use these instructions to set up a PayPal Virtual Tip Jar.

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amazing partnerships build amazing impact

Live Local is proudly brought to you by financial support from:

INNOVIA FOUNDATION

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

CITY OF SPOKANE & CARES ACT

LIVE LOCAL INW is brought to you proudly by:

Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance (SIMBA)