Putting LOCAL First
Since 2003, Local First Arizona has been fiercely dedicated to driving inclusive community and economic development throughout Arizona.
We have created a movement that champions a thriving and diverse economy, fostering community support and an unwavering sense of local pride and purpose in every Arizonan.
Our work shapes the future of Arizona by advocating that every individual and community deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that entrepreneurship is at the core of any lasting economy.
In rural, Tribal, suburban and urban communities across our great state, Local First is delivering resources to ensure a future focused on economic opportunity for all.
Mission
To strengthen local businesses and communities by establishing equitable systems that level the playing field for a thriving, inclusive and lasting Arizona economy.
Vision
An Arizona where success knows no boundaries. It's a world where every individual, regardless of their background, discovers fertile ground to sprout, dream and blossom.
Photo credit: Kathleen Dreier Photography
Local First serves Arizona in a variety of ways:
Small business education programs in English and Spanish that foster entrepreneurship and increase access to capital
Strengthening the Arizona food system through our kitchen incubator and farm–to-fork programs
Harnessing the collective power of the largest local business coalition in the U.S. to advocate for the local business community
Assisting cities, towns and tribal nations to secure resources that build self-reliant local economies
Helping businesses identify solutions and funding to reduce their environmental impacts
Educating consumers about the profound impact of their spending choices on the local economy
By the Numbers:
How Local First Arizona Impacts Communities
Across the State.
We’re making a transformative investment in Arizona that will shape the future of our communities by supporting local ownership, building inclusive economies and unleashing opportunity for all.
$148M+
2,880
businesses
75%+
Since launching our Economic Resource Center, Local First has secured more than $148 million in grant funding for rural towns, tribes and nonprofits across Arizona, Including funding for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and more. That's the kind of capital that changes what's possible for communities, including those in danger of being left behind
The number of Arizona business owners who received hands-on assistance in 2025. Not just a webinar or a pamphlet, but informed entrepreneurial services that help people who are not only growing their businesses, but growing Arizona’s economy.
More than three out of four businesses that graduated from our two-year Community Kitchen Incubator program are still operating today. That rate of success is a result of increasing access to tools and resources small businesses need to be successful.
More From the Ground
$818,500+ Loaned through the Rooted Relative Fund to Indigenous business owners who have been locked out of mainstream banking.
672 Media Mentions Reaching an estimated 5.4 million people. The case for local ownership isn't a niche conversation anymore.
1,067 Businesses Completed formal business education programs in 2025, including business incubators, accelerators and boot camps. Each owner left with a viable business plan, a solid loan application or a specific project designed to reduce overhead.
1,228 Volunteer Hours Donated by Arizonans who believe in this work. This movement runs on conviction and a commitment from people just like you.
14,700+ pounds
Rescued food reached 1,875 Arizonans this year through Local First Arizona's food access programs. A resilient food system feeds families, eliminates food waste and builds entrepreneurs at the same time.
204 Food Entrepreneurs
The number of Food Entrepreneurs Operating inside Local First Arizona's incubator kitchens. Commercial kitchen access shouldn’t be a barrier for anyone growing a business.
28 Farms Grew through the new Ag Business Boot Camp. Food security starts with keeping farmers in business.
$76,768 Generated through 4,844 "Keep Arizona Beautiful" license plate sales, reinvested directly into community clean-ups across the state.
179,650 pounds
Materials diverted from landfills across Local First Arizona's offices, events and community projects. 95% waste diversion at the Good Business Summit alone. Our values show up in these numbers.
527 households Reached through Local First Arizona's food access programs this year.