For 20 years, Local First Arizona has been the leader in community-based economic development in Arizona. As the largest local business coalition in the U.S., with more than 3,000 participating businesses, Local First advocates for entrepreneurs and independently owned enterprises of all sizes by helping local owners compete and collaborate, which ultimately strengthens our state economy and builds hometown pride.
Local First’s areas of focus include prioritizing entrepreneur development and small-business support, investment in rural development, support for under-resourced areas and developing environmental resilience. Local First provides business training, including online courses, one-on-one consulting, mentorship for Hispanic and Black entrepreneurs and environmental sustainability expertise, as well as workforce development and access to capital.
LFA also partners with rural cities, nonprofits and tribes to develop winning grant applications. Visit our website for more information about available resources and a directory of 3,000+ Arizona-based businesses.
What is your 2023 focus?
Local First Arizona’s statewide business coalition, assistance programs and goals for transformational change continue to expand. Our initiatives include entrepreneurship training for Black and Hispanic business owners in an effort to build generational wealth, securing funding to strengthen rural towns and businesses, advising companies on cost-saving environmental improvements and offering personalized coaching to help business owners overcome challenges. We love Arizona and want it to thrive.
Our supporters in all 15 counties are working together to find solutions to eliminate barriers to success and to build a more vibrant, inclusive and sustainable local economy that benefits everyone.
What are the top benefits of membership and/or participation?
Joining the largest local business coalition in the U.S. provides:
- Designation as a certified locally owned business
- Connection to more than 3,000 other local business owners in Arizona
- Access to more than 125 yearly networking, educational and signature events
- One-on-one consulting with our Business Support Team to solve challenges
- Members-only vendor opportunities
- Online local business directory listing
- Community calendar to post events
- Free online business courses
- Members-only Facebook groups
- Access to Local First Arizona branding
- Opportunities for social media and news coverage
Discounts on office products, payroll services, credit card processing, employee health insurance, advertising and more
Local Leader: Kimber Lanning
Title: Founder and CEO
How Long with Organization? 20 years
We are passionate and committed to introducing locals and newcomers to our state’s amazing culture. A culture that is best represented by our communities, local businesses, and their unique experiences.
Organization Name: Local First Arizona
Main Local Office: 407 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: (602) 956-0909
Website: www.localfirstaz.com
No. of Members: 3,000+
Types of Membership:
Coalition Member, Legacy Partner
No. of Events per year: 125+
Biggest Annual Event:
Arizona Fall Fest
November
Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix
What should a prospective member know about your organization?: When you join Local First Arizona, you join a movement of proud Arizona business owners collaborating to diversify prosperity and build a stronger local economy.
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