Welcome to Local First Arizona’s We Rise Demo Day 2026 — a celebration showcasing the achievements of our recent We Rise graduates! Healthy, successful community-based businesses are crucial to developing community wealth, but for Black entrepreneurs, systemic barriers such as limited access to traditional sources of capital, predatory financing terms and exclusion from professional networks have made moving beyond the startup stage challenging.

With the support of partners Arizona Financial Credit Union , Growth Partners Arizona and Vantage West, Local First Arizona is dedicated to addressing the Black business equity gap. Initiatives like the We Rise business accelerator and Demo Day provide resources, funding and mentorship to help maximize growth opportunities for Arizona’s Black entrepreneurs and empower Black businesses and communities to continue to rise together.

Pitching their businesses today for a chance to win $10,000 in funding are six graduates of the We Rise program. Though their businesses may be diverse, they each share a passion, determination and a commitment to succeed. Learn more about them below.

  • Be More Clean Hydrotherapy

    Be More Clean Colon Hydrotherapy centers focus on reversing chronic illnesses through diet and lifestyle. Utilizing cutting-edge science and proven protocols, they address chronic digestive disorders, diabetes, and mold removal.

  • Inquisicare Institute

    Inquisicare Institute LLC is an online learning community designed for healthcare professionals transitioning from clinical practice into academia. The curriculum comprises learning activities to support faculty in the areas of teaching, service, scholarship and student advising.

  • Soeur Du Sol

    Dr. Michelle Cromwell is the founder of Soeur De Sol, developing herbal tea solutions to support women navigating menopause-related brain fog and wellbeing.

Support We Rise

  • Sassy Dee Sashin

    Sassy Dee Sashin' specializes in unique, high-quality crossbody bags with 10 pockets, expertly blending sass and sophistication with functionality. Each bag is crafted from premium materials for superior quality and durability.

  • Married in Mocha 

    Ashely Dickerson is the founder of Married in Mocha, a full-service wedding management company advancing equity, connection and sustainability across Arizona’s wedding industry.

  • Johnson & Company Landscaping & Renewal

    Chloe Johnson co-leads Johnson & Company Landscaping & Renewal, a Black-owned, family-run business providing landscaping services while creating pathways to employment and stability.

2026 Demo Day Sponsors