Inclusive local businesses do more than serve customers — they help shape communities where people feel welcomed, valued and connected. Across Arizona, LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and organizations are building spaces rooted in belonging, advocacy and local resilience.

As funding dries up and pressures mount, Tucson’s Fluxx Productions continues to provide lifeline programs like School of Drag, mental health support, and housing assistance — all while dreaming bigger. Read how this grassroots cultural organization is holding space, building power, and refusing to back down.

When you deposit your money in a bank, it doesn't just sit there — it goes to work. The question is, where is it working, and who is benefiting?

Financial empowerment is a key tenet of Local First Arizona’s work. From addressing the predatory lending practices of payday loans to improving access to capital, we are helping individuals, businesses and entire communities take control of their financial futures.  One of the easiest ways to create real impact? Moving your money to a local bank or credit union.

At Local First, we’ve always believed that the success of locally owned businesses creates a strong and thriving Arizona economy. But one of the biggest challenges for local entrepreneurs has long been access to capital — especially in Arizona, where community banking resources are limited. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to break down financial barriers and build new pathways for funding that empower business owners to grow, hire and create a lasting impact on Arizona’s communities.

2024 was a year of impact for Local First, for local businesses and for procurement engagement. Over the course of the year, Local First Arizona attended more than a half-dozen procurement-related events hosted by businesses such as SRP, Aviation, the City of Mesa, and the Arizona Department of Transportation, among others.

En el corazón de Phoenix, Arizona, Daniel Borga y Zulema Montaño han construido más que un negocio; han creado un testimonio de resiliencia, trabajo duro y orgullo cultural. Desde comienzos humildes, esta pareja hispana se propuso un objetivo: crear una vida mejor para su familia.

Más que un negocio, fue la familia lo que impulsó a la pareja a embarcarse en esta aventura.

Arianny Valles nació en Maracaibo, Venezuela, y se crió en Coro, una ciudad rica en historia al occidente del país. Con formación en Publicidad y especialización en Oratoria y Locución, Arianny descubrió su pasión por la locución radial, una carrera que inició en 1996 y que la llevó a trabajar en diversas estaciones radiales en Venezuela, así como a producir programas de televisión y a destacarse como locutora comercial y periodista.

Cooking barbecue makes William Mack happy. But it’s more than that for the owner of Mack-A-Docious BBQ in Lake Havasu.

“It’s me doing my best to give you a taste of my family, my home and knowing who we are. That’s what it is to me.”

Local First Arizona has welcomed two new board members, Andre Whittington and Jonae A. Harrison. We asked them to dish on business, community and their ideal summer day…

Scottsdale-based LocalFi SEO Digital Marketing Agency helps local businesses grow customers through Google and Yelp.

“Within three months, (a chiropractor client) had to bring in another practitioner. He had a waiting list,” says LocalFi co-owner Isaac Navias. “That’s when I realized, this is powerful.”

A pair of Tucson-area Local First Arizona members have taken body positivity to heart in an effort to help their LGBTQ+ customers feel more comfortable and welcome.

Photographer Rachel Castillo and wellness studio owner Amanda Pederson say it’s important for everyone to feel safe, affirmed and celebrated.

Local First Arizona is proud to lead business opposition to HCR 2060, an unfunded, anti-business and anti-immigrant bill at the Arizona Legislature.

In the days since Local First Arizona was the only business organization to testify against the bill, other organizations have joined the call, including the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, Greater Phoenix Economic Council and Greater Phoenix Leadership.

Dive into our newest blog where we highlight three standout Arizona businesses reshaping their industries.

Kathleen Dreier, a Tucson-based photographer, can attest to the power of photography. One study shows articles with imagery receive 94% more views than those without.

As a photographer who travels across Arizona, Dreier uses her unique approach to ensure that the authenticity of her clients shines through.

On June 2, the City of Phoenix will celebrate “602 Day” with fun events and discounts from local businesses and organizations to recognize Phoenix as a great place to live, work and enjoy life. Other cities build civic pride by commemorating their local area code with holidays too.

So what are the telltale signs you live in the (602)?

We came up with a few ideas…

Lina’s Macarons is one of 100 Asian specialty businesses thriving in Mesa’s unique Asian District. Lina captivates customers with adorable, delicious cookies in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

A lo largo de una década, el viaje de Berni como empresario ha sido una montaña rusa de altibajos, pero también de logros significativos. Colados Coffee Inc. ha pasado de ser una sola ubicación a tres, con alrededor de 60 empleados que forman parte de la familia Colados.

Berni y su familia están orgullosos de haber creado un negocio próspero..…

85% of businesses include video as part of their marketing plan, and Full Swing Studios is there to serve that need.
“Many times organizations and business owners think videography is beyond reach,” says co-owner Angela Hughey. “What’s important to Full Swing Studios is we’re creating high quality and highly produced opportunities at affordable pricing. That’s part of our secret sauce. It’s something that can be attainable regardless of budget.”

A 2022 survey by payroll provider Gusto found that only 6% of Black new business owners receive the business loans they seek. Jessica Baker, who owns Vibe Spot and Pink Sky Productions, learned first-hand how to boost her chances.