Finding Local Just Got Easier with the New LFA Directories
Our favorite thing about Arizona is, of course, all of the incredible local businesses across our state! From restaurants to rock climbing and artisans to auto, there truly is a local business for all your wants and needs. If only there was one convenient location to find exactly what you are looking for...oh wait! There is! Local First has a comprehensive and easy-to-use directory not only for local businesses but also for farms, community-supported agriculture (CSA) and all things food. It’s important to shop local and support your community and this directory makes it simple.
Fuerza Local Graduate Chino-Mex
How to Use the Directory
The new set up of the Local First Business Directory and the Good Food Finder makes it easy to search by location, keywords and categories. Looking for a restaurant to show off to your friends visiting from out of town? Check out the food and dining category! Hoping to find a new mechanic that’s closer to your new apartment? You can search by city or zip code and limit the distance you travel. Or maybe you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift for your mom or dad. Just type “gifts” into the keywords search bar and you’ll get dozens of local businesses to check out.
The Good Food Finder is your one-stop-shop for all things food in Arizona. We’re talking farms, farmers markets, CSAs, local food artisans, U-pick farms and more! It is the easiest way to find the freshest food in Arizona. The Good Food Finder directory works the same way as the business directory with the ability to search by location, keyword and categories. You can also search by county and look for businesses that are part of our Eat Local campaigns. Go see what’s out there!
Agua de Sedona Fragrance
What Will You Find in the Directory
If you’re looking for all types of local businesses, then you’ll want to visit the Local First Arizona directory. Some of the categories include
You can also search by businesses that are BIPOC-, woman-, LGBTQ-, and veteran-owned. Looking for a new job? Then check out the career opportunities category.
The Good Food Finder Directory is similar. If you want to specifically support a woman-, BIPOC-, or veteran-owned business you can search by those categories. Other categories you fill find include:
Food groups like bread and pastries, coffee, dairy, fruits and vegetables, meat and more!
Impact of Supporting Local
We all wish we could make the world a better place. Well, shopping locally actually does make your community and all of Arizona a better place for everyone to live! There are tons of benefits but here are some of the big ones:
Shopping local helps make Arizona a more equitable state. Many Arizona businesses are owned and operated by women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community and many others of diverse backgrounds. As you support these businesses, you help build wealth and prosperity and support diversity.
Local businesses help build Arizona’s economy. For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $43 remains in the local economy as compared to the only $13 when you buy at national chains. Shopping locally also creates jobs, which continues to build the wealth of a community.
When you shop locally, you build hometown pride. Local businesses are owned by your neighbors and fellow Arizonans. You create relationships and establish roots that begin to change the community. When people feel connected where they live, they are more likely to vote and volunteer.
You’re already going online to search or shop -- use the directories and support local businesses!