To strengthen Arizona’s local economy, first we need to build a community that feels accountable for it.

Strong, inclusive economies begin with hometown pride.

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.

We are on a mission to build equitable systems that earn that hometown pride and create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Arizona economy.

Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization 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 prosperous Arizona economy, including:

• Educating consumers about the interconnectedness of the economy — how and where they spend matters.
• Training small businesses to be more resilient, while helping our larger partners tell their story as champions of Arizona.
• Creating programs and events that make it fun and easy to discover local businesses and buy local.
• Targeting systems of inequity and building prosperity for all Arizonans by proactively identifying comprehensive solutions and taking action.

Mission

To build equitable systems for Arizona’s local businesses and communities that create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Arizona economy by strengthening, supporting, and celebrating ent