“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
— Coretta Scott King
Social media promised to connect us, but it’s local businesses, not big corporations, that have always been the real fabric of our communities.
But what if the algorithm worked forour communities instead of against them?
By reframing social media as a tool we wield, we can strengthen ecosystems, uplift local economies, and deepen community.
Go Out n About! was built to make it easier to find, support, and celebrate the local, independent businesses and non-profits (confirmed 501(c)(3) or equivalent) that make the Central Coast unique.
We define a local and independent as businesses that are founded, owned, and operated by individuals within the community it serves, not by a parent corporation, national chain, franchisor, or outside conglomerate.
These are the businesses where your dollar stays local.
Go Out n About! is an independent, community-driven platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially representing any business, nonprofit, or organization listed in the Community Directory. All listings are included for informational purposes to help people find and support local, independent businesses and nonprofits across the Central Coast.
Inclusion in the directory does not imply endorsement or partnership of any kind. Academic research referenced on this page is cited for educational purposes only and does not imply affiliation with or endorsement by the authors or their institutions.
We launched with over 100 businesses per county across the six Central Coast counties. It’s not everything, but it’s a starting point. We did our best to research accurately, but we know we missed businesses, got details wrong, and have gaps to fill. That’s where you come in.
This is a digital collaborative. Businesses can claim their listing, request updates, or submit to be added. Community members can nominate businesses they love. Owners can self-identify their business with one or more of our diversity flags. We don’t assign diversity designations — we honor self-identification. If you own a business and want to be recognized, we want to hear from you!
Disability-Owned = X | Eco-friendly = X | Family-Owned = X | Immigrant-Owned = X | Indigenous-Owned = X | LGBTQ+ Owned = X | Nonprofit = ⚠️| POC-Owned = X | Veteran-Owned = X | Women-Owned = X | Youth-Owned = X |
As digital platforms become increasingly embedded in daily life, a growing body of research suggests that intentionalsocial media use can serve as a catalyst for stronger, more engaged communities.
Learn more about social media’s potential role in enhancing community connectedness, social support, and collective well-being.
Go Out n About! 