3 Minutes | 2 Rounds | Cash Prize

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 and Growth Partners Arizona, 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.

  • Yond Institute of Learning is a premier institution dedicated to providing high-quality education and training for aspiring nursing professionals. By emphasizing academic excellence, hands-on clinical experience, and personalized student support, they cultivate skilled and compassionate nursing assistants who positively impact healthcare. As a full-service nursing assistant school, they offer approved programs, including CNA classes, in-home support care training, and First Aid and CPR. Yond Institute believes in giving everyone the opportunity to learn.

  • At The Cooperative Lender our mission is to empower Black-owned businesses and build a resilient community committed to solving our own challenges. Together, we create pathways for financial growth, collective strength, and shared prosperity—recognizing that no one is coming to save us but us. All are welcome in allyship as we forge a future rooted in self-determination and unity.

  • 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. Exclusive to Arizona, these bags feature innovative designs, including built-in wallets and adjustable straps, catering to the needs of fashion-conscious individuals while maintaining a sleek appearance.

  • Holy Hands Painters is a trusted full-service wall-covering and painting company, fully licensed, insured, and bonded to provide top-quality services for both residential and commercial properties.

  • Dr. Darlene Little has over 35 years of experience as an educator, teacher, principal and director of special services. Additionally, she has a robust history as an educational consultant and administrative coach, providing support to numerous school principals and academic leadership teams.

    She is the owner of Small World Trade & Travel, traveling to and importing art from Africa.

  • Our mission goes beyond selling juice; it's about promoting a culture of wellness, awareness, and empowerment. We need more businesses like ours to champion the vital role nutrition plays in everyday life. Together, we can build a happier, healthier, and more expansive communityone bottle at a time.