Local First Arizona and Arizona Credit Unions Announce Landmark Partnership to Expand Financial Empowerment Across the State
Local First Arizona and Arizona Credit Unions Announce Landmark Partnership to Expand Financial Empowerment Across the State
PHOENIX, Ariz. — June 11, 2026 — Local First Arizona and Arizona’s Credit Unions (ACU) – today announced their new, statewide partnership designed to boost financial education, strengthen small business success, and champion credit unions as key contributors of Arizona’s economic prosperity.
Through this collaboration, Arizona Credit Unions will serve as a strategic partner to Local First Arizona, investing to support programs that enhance financial literacy, provide small business resources, and increase outreach to rural and urban communities to improve access to financial services. Local First Arizona will integrate credit union expertise and expand their visibility throughout its statewide initiatives and events.
Connecting Arizonans to Financial Opportunity
As part of the partnership, Local First Arizona will embed credit union referral pathways into its core programs. This ensures that municipal leaders, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and consumers are introduced to the benefits of banking locally and have access to guidance on credit union banking and small business lending services.
The partnership will also focus on expanding financial literacy, including the launch of the Loan Readiness Boot Camp. The free boot camp guides local businesses on the path of loan preparation through seven virtual sessions with a local business lending expert. Registration for the next cohort is open through August 11.
A Shared Vision for Arizona’s Future
"Credit Unions play a critical role in keeping Arizona's economy strong by lending to local businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Kimber Lanning, CEO of Local First Arizona. “As the largest coalition of locally owned businesses in the country, Local First is proud to partner with Arizona’s Credit Unions to increase access to capital and financial empowerment for our small business community."
Arizona Credit Unions echoed the excitement about the collaboration. “Together, Arizona-based credit unions are united in supporting financial empowerment and community success,” said Jason Paprocki, EVP of Arizona Financial Credit Union. “Partnering with Local First Arizona allows us to deepen our reach, amplify financial education, and create more opportunities for local businesses and families.”
About Local First Arizona
Established in 2003, Local First Arizona is a statewide non-profit fiercely dedicated to driving inclusive community and economic development throughout Arizona. Its work shapes the future of the state by advocating that every individual and community deserves the opportunity to thrive, and that entrepreneurship is at the core of any lasting economy.
About Arizona Credit Unions
Arizona Credit Unions (ACU) is a coalition of Arizona-based credit unions committed to advancing financial education, expanding community impact, and promoting the benefits of credit union membership across the state. Together, ACU institutions serve hundreds of thousands of Arizonans with not-for-profit, community-centered financial services for consumers and small businesses. For more information, visit AZCreditUnions.com.
Contact:
Charlotte Shaff
602-418-8534
7000 N 16th Street, STE 120-319, Phoenix, AZ 85020