Free range businesses.
Not penned in by private equity.
Free Range maps independently-owned businesses across the country, so you can choose where your money goes.
Keep money local
A dollar at an independent business recirculates locally far more than one at a PE rollup or chain.
See who really owns it
We combine public data and analysis to flag businesses quietly owned by private equity or corporate parents.
Community-kept
Owners verify their independence; neighbors confirm or flag. No algorithms, no engagement farming.
Who's included
Free Range helps you find independently owned businesses. Listings carry a badge showing whether ownership has been verified:
Confirmed independent against a state registry, SBA record, or ownership document — not just self-reported.
The owner claimed this listing and attested it's independent.
We don't have enough data to verify ownership yet. The owner can claim it to confirm.
For business owners
Why is my business here?
Free Range starts from public business records, local directories, websites, and manual research. A listing means we found public signals that your business appears local and independently owned. It is not an endorsement, certification, or paid placement.
What happens when I claim it?
Claiming is free. You create an account, attest that you are an owner or authorized manager, confirm the business is independent, and then manage the public page from your dashboard. You can add your story, hiring status, contact details, and job openings.
What if something is wrong?
Owners and community members can flag incorrect details, closed businesses, or ownership concerns from each business page. We keep those reports in a moderation queue and do not use one report to automatically punish a business.
Can I list jobs?
Yes. Claimed independent businesses can post jobs for free. Free Range is designed for human, local work: describe the work, the schedule, pay, and what kind of person would enjoy it.
What we leave out
We don't list private-equity-owned businesses, publicly-traded or corporate-owned chains, or franchises. A franchise may have a local operator, but a slice of every sale leaves the community as royalties to the corporate franchisor — exactly what we help you avoid. Learn how PE rollups work →
Matched to a known private-equity portfolio company.
Shows signals that suggest private-equity ownership.
A publicly-traded or corporate-owned chain — profits leave the community.
Locally operated, but part of a franchise system with PE backing.
From the founder
Hi, I'm Jaci Hayden. I'm an engineer in the Pacific Northwest, and I own Katabatic Engineering, a small civil engineering owner's-representation firm.
Running a small business means someone you can actually name is responsible for the work. Private equity rollups quietly trade that away, and from the sidewalk you usually can't tell. Free Range started in Washington as a way to make ownership visible, so it's easier to spend your money with the people who run the place.
If something here is wrong, or you know a business we should add, write to hello@freerange.directory.
— Jaci
How is this free?
Free Range is run by Jaci and isn't funded by listing fees. Businesses can never pay for placement or a better ranking.
Free Range Directory's verification system uses public data and automated analysis. We make our best effort to identify independently-owned businesses, but we cannot guarantee the accuracy of every listing. Business owners can claim and verify their business at any time. Get in touch.