What is “LokiLoka”?

We are a free, online resource for the conscientious, community-minded consumer. LokiLoka's heart and soul resides in the easy ability to contribute your valuable information about resources and experiences to the locally-minded community.

Our mission is to sustain and propagate the culture that is created by locally-owned businesses, events, organizations, and artistry. We encourage people to patron locally-owned restaurants and bars, venues and clubs, stores and services, as well as experience the works of local performers and artisans.

Why support local businesses?

Local businesses give a city its unique feel. No one remembers Portland because of its corporate chain stores... people remember the places that can't be found anywhere else, places that are created and operated by people who are trying to live out their dreams. Supporting local businesses and buying products made here in Portland is good for the local economy because less money leaves the state, remaining in the hands of the city’s people rather than ending up in the hands of a corporation’s CEO.

What does the website offer?

Right now the website offers a search that makes it easy to find locally-owned businesses, services, and products in Portland. Each business’s page includes location, hours of operation, and contact information. The site also has a nice list of local events, including movie listings from independent theaters and happy hours at local bars.

We also strive to make LokiLoka's search capability unique, so that you can find really specific things in the Portland community. You can find results by searching almost anything….. community supported agriculture, outdoor seating, art supplies, bike builders, vegan or vegetarian friendly restaurants, non-profits, food carts, local artists and crafters, wifi, and locally made products.

How to make the website better.

One thing that really makes the website better is to contribute content to it. Creating a login/username for the site is free, simple, and doesn’t involve disclosing any personal information. For those who choose to create user accounts, you will find that you can create new pages for businesses, artists, locally made products, bands, and whatever else you think is worth including on the site. You will also be able to add events to the calendar and share experiences as a participant in events or as a business/service consumer.

You can also contribute to LokiLoka by letting people know that the site exists and what it's trying to do. If you like our site and the principles behind it, feel free to add a LokiLoka link to your business website or personal blog. The more diverse the user base, the better the site will become and the more visibility the listed businesses, services, or organizations will have.

Local businesses owners/service providers need only contact the site’s manager in order to have editorial access to their LokiLoka page or to request that any changes be made on their behalf. Feedback from all users is highly encouraged, whether it’s about your experiences with using the site or ideas you'd like to see implemented.