Local First Arizona

Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona is committed to community and economic development throughout Arizona. Our work connects people, locally-owned businesses, and communities for meaningful actions that build a diverse, inclusive, and sustainable Arizona economy. We strengthen, support, and celebrate entrepreneurship, rural and urban community development, racial equity, environmental action, and food access.

For twenty-two years, we've designed, implemented, and measured innovative programs to increase entrepreneurship and widespread economic opportunities for every Arizonan. Our work supports urban and rural businesses, nonprofits, and tribal communities statewide.

Local First continues to make a statewide impact, from providing one-on-one consulting to 17,000 business owners in 2024 to helping Arizona-based entities win 160+ grants totaling $100 million. Our work building thriving, entrepreneurial & environmentally regenerative communities would not be possible without your incredible partnership and support! THANK YOU for your meaningful contributions.

Whether you've been with us since the beginning or just connected with us this year, thank you for helping Local First accomplish so much, in service to the people of our great state of Arizona.

We believe that each and every person can effect change in their community, and our collective strength has power. Thank you for putting local first!

Testimonials

"The Business Accelerator opened our eyes to what it means to be a business owner. From the smallest of details, like a logo, to registering for an LLC, this is the starting point I'd recommend to everyone.." - Dania & Ernesto Lopez, South Central Nutrition & Fuerza Local Business Accelerator Graduates

"The Arizona Food & Farm Forum connected me to some of the most kind and generous people in our farming community, as a beginner farmer, having connections with experienced farmers has helped me jump ahead on the learning curve and given me resources to tap into that I would otherwise be left searching for on my own." - Tim Colby, The Farm at Agritopia & Arizona Food & Farm Forum Attendee

"This process brought so much more to the community than just infrastructure. The healing that resulted through facilitated communication between myself and my neighbors has brought me even closer to the place that I call home." - Anonymous, Rural Arizona Community Member