Local First Arizona is working closely with employers to gather labor market data to understand the workforce needs of the region as it relates to mental health. There are only three organizations currently providing mental health services locally. Two out of three of those organizations agreed that there isn’t an issue of lack of applicants, it is a lack of qualified applicants for mental health positions in the Gila Valley. Outside of the three organizations providing mental health services, a few related organizations stated that they would like to be able to offer mental health services to clients but they do not have the resources or know how to find the resources to expand their services.

It’s adventure season and we’re kicking it off with National Road Trip day! What better way to explore Arizona than with a plan that keeps your passions and interests in mind? Check out this Local First Arizona approved road-trip guide that aligns with your devotion to supporting small businesses, diverse communities, local food producers, and environmental action across the state. We’ll see you out on the road!

The seven businesses and organizations that came together to participate in the 7-week sustainability project planning series share an important ideal: collaboration is necessary for sustained and equitable systems change and to create healthy communities. After coming together, each participant is launching a unique project that addresses energy, water, waste, and/or transportation in their operations alongside commitments to environmental and community stewardship. Here is a sneak peek of the participants and the projects they are launching here in Arizona!

Maria Fuentes es madre, empresaria local y dueña de Seguridad Latina junto a su esposo Juan Gerardo Iñiguez en la ciudad de Phoenix, Arizona desde 2004.

Ser ama de casa, madre y empresaria es algo muy complicado, algo que Maria Fuentes lo sabe de primera mano, “Siempre se debe de buscar un balance, soy madre de 2 hijos, esposa y además llevo las finanzas de nuestra empresa, no es facial, si soy sincera, pero cuando las cosas se hacen con amor y propósito todo fluye positivamente, nunca dejes de soñar porque como madres siempre seremos fuertes y nada nos puede detener”

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and that presents a great opportunity to learn more about #StopAsianHate and how to be a better ally.

El 5 de Mayo ya está muy cerca y aun no sabes si lo festejaras o cual seria la forma más segura de hacerlo durante la era de pandemia. No te preocupes, siempre habrá opciones donde podrás hacerlo de forma segura y sobre todo apoyando a tus negocios locales de Arizona.

Pero primero que nada ¿Porque celebramos el 5 de Mayo?

In November 2020, Local First Arizona interviewed Duncan residents, business owners, elected officials, working professionals, volunteers, and parents to gain an understanding of spending patterns resulting in either dollars recirculating in the local economy or leaking out of the local economy.

Pipeline AZ is a multi-sided platform bringing job seekers, companies, educational institutions and workforce organizations together to match talent to market needs and prepare job seekers for future opportunities - online. Unlike other career services or workforce development platforms, Pipeline AZ serves the entire workforce ecosystem simultaneously: companies, job seekers, educators and workforce organizations. Pipeline AZ is free for users, and will include case management for job seekers to help best connect their skills to job opportunities. Employers can list jobs, internships and/or apprenticeships.

In January 2020, the San Manuel Revitalization Coalition was formed as a solution for this unincorporated community to have one centralized resource and provide a unified voice to Pinal County for concerns and needs. With a volunteer board of fifteen community members, the group finalized its status as a recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and was able to raise over $10,000 in start-up funding for community programming.

Albertico Salas es un empresario mexicano en la ciudad de Glendale, Arizona.

Como empresario entiende la importancia de los pequeños negocios como el suyo, representan para la economía y comunidad local.

Con más de 15 años de experiencia en el sector de los restaurantes, Albertico Salas desarrolló una gran pasión por tener su propio restaurante de comida mexicana.

The newest businesses to be certified through the Local First Arizona Green Business Program and the Southern Arizona Green Leaders Program are springing forward into sustainability and enhancing their respective communities through their organizational missions. Meet the Arizona Heritage Center, Stardust Building Supplies, Literacy Connects, and K. Newby Gallery and learn all about what they’re doing to be more green.

No fue fácil, emprender, pero mi pasión por lograr mi sueño, siempre me dio las fuerzas para seguir adelante” comenta Jorge Solorio muy motivado.

For Women’s History Month we’re celebrating the women that we have come to know and love through our sustainability programs. These women are dedicated to environmental action and working hard to make sure everyone can enjoy Arizona for generations to come. Come meet the incredible women who are part of Arizona’s green businesses and maybe add some things to your own green to-do list!

Meet Areli Rivera, a Fuerza Local Business Accelerator graduate, and owner of Global Immigration LLC. Her entrepreneurial spirit has allowed her to give back to get community and provide a better life for her two children. As part of Women’s History Month, we got together with Areli to ask for her insight into what it’s like being a woman-owned business, what inspires her and what she hopes to see in the future.

Congratulations to the 10 businesses and organizations that have just graduated as the first 2021 cohort of Scale Up! This is the third cohort to have completed the award-winning sustainability project planning series where participants develop their own plans to reduce energy, water, waste, and/or transportation in their business operations with a commitment to social equity and environmental justice. Here is an overview of their projects and what they plan to do next!

2020 has changed the way we do business and, in some ways, what good business really means. This year, the Arizona Good Business Summit is going virtual to report on the state of small business and how we can rebuild stronger, more equitable communities. You may be thinking - another digital event? Yes — but this one matters. It's accessible, it's affordable and we can't let a pandemic halt ongoing work to build a stronger AZ.

It’s getting warmer and warmer outside and that only means one thing...outdoor dining! It’s prime weather for getting a bite to eat on a patio or grabbing a drink outside with friends on a spring night (and hello St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th!) And for those who are ready to get out of the house but not dine in, then patios (or a picnic) are a perfect way to support local restaurants and bars. Arizona has an outstanding selection of outdoor patio dining options so take some time to explore, get outside, and enjoy some of the best that local Arizona has to offer.

Some of you might have spent a little more time at home in 2020. More hand washing, cooking, washing dishes, and home renovation projects means increased water use and higher bills. With the arrival of the spring season that we in Arizona so enjoy, higher temperatures mean thirstier people, animals, and plants. Fortunately, there are groups like Water - Use it Wisely (WUIW) that exist to help you maximize your water savings inside and outside your home or business.

Mesa businesses that are looking to improve their eco-footprint and get recognized for their efforts have a new way to do so! The Arizona Green Business Program is launching in Mesa, thanks to the support of the City of Mesa Environmental Services team and city leadership. This certification program is open to independently owned businesses of all types and focuses on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, pollution prevention, transportation efficiency, and general sustainability in the workplace. The goal is to seek ways businesses can reduce environmental impact with an eye toward cost savings and recognition.

February is Black History Month; it’s a time to educate ourselves about the deep-rooted racism in our country’s history, and more importantly, commit ourselves to build a more just and equal world for all. This year’s BHM comes after a year of protest and a public health crisis that disproportionately affected businesses and people of color. So we’ve put together a guide to help you honor black history, build awareness, and find your role in the local movement.