If you want to set up a local IMP, we're happy to support you. Here's the deal:
It's free, and we can even host it for you.
We'll give you all the site source code, and will even host it at theIMP.ca/[your location]. So if you want to set up an IMP for Nanaimo BC, https://theIMP.ca/nanaimo would be the URL.
We'll train you on how to run it. You'll have to learn how to edit HTML, which is pretty straightforward, especially since you'll basically be cutting and pasting into an existing HTML file. Ultimately, you'll need:
A computer and an Internet connection
A smidge of HTML editing knowledge
Free software that lets you access files over SFTP, like Filezilla or CyberDuck
A simple text editor, like Notepad. Free programs like Notepad++ include things like colour-coding, which makes it much easier to edit code.
You'll be responsible for your own research and updates, etc. It's a non-trivial amount of work to set up, but only a few minutes a week to maintain.
We do ask that you adhere to the tenets of the project...
List only places that are locally owned and independent. No franchises, no chains. Use your best judgment when it comes to things like regional chains. Your ethical north star is "keep money and information local."
Link to real websites, no Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, Uber Eats, etc. Especially for restaurants.
For restaurants, list only restaurants with websites -- vital for the user to see if they're open, etc. For other types of stores, it's OK to list without websites, but again, don't link to Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, etc. Real website or nothin'.
Provide the service equally and for free. You shouldn't be paid for this work by retailers, either to list them, or to give anyone special favours.
On this end, what we will do for you is...
Set up a folder with your region name, like theIMP.ca/nanaimo
Create a "blank" IMP site for you to fill in
Give you a username and password to log in and edit the HTML file
If you need training, a training session over video conferencing to show you how to do it
Send you some templates for posters, business cards, etc. if you want to promote this locally.
Share some scripts that can convert any spreadsheets you make to IMP HTML content
Share instructions on how to set up an embedded map on an open-source map platform
I reserve the right to keep an eye on things.
This is mainly trust-based, but I reserve the right to check in for time to time and if things seem a bit screwy, hit the 'pause' button until we can discuss what's up.