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.

Volunteers with Local First Arizona’s Keep Arizona Beautiful campaign participated in the 2024 Great American Cleanup. They cleared 1,000 pounds of trash and 100 pounds of scrap metal from a river bed in Superior.

Click to find out how to join our next cleanup!

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..…

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

FilterClean, a Local First Arizona Certified Green Business, is now offering mobile pick-up and drop-off services to reach its goal of saving Valley pool owners as much as 2 billion gallons of water each year. Here’s how.

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.

Flor Vianey Vargas, una mujer emprendedora, ha trazado su camino desde sus raíces en Sinaloa, México, hasta convertirse en una exitosa empresaria en Phoenix.

Con una formación académica en sistemas computacionales y una carrera destacada en el periodismo radiofónico por más de 20 años, Flor siempre ha sido una líder dedicada y apasionada.

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

From tees to beanies to bags, there’s a good chance you’ve admired something printed by Goodfellas Merch.

What began as a cool side hustle dreamed up in a punk-themed piercing outlet has grown into Goodfellas Merch, a full-scale screen printing facility in Glendale and longtime member of Local First Arizona.

Heartquist Hollow Farms received a $200,000 federal grant with help from Local First Arizona to renovate a slaughterhouse, hire locally from small towns in eastern Arizona and implement humane butchering practices.

“We’ve brought jobs that weren’t there before,” Scott Heartquist said. “The capacity we’ve been pushing is huge.”

You could save nearly $900 on your taxes this year, just by making a donation to support Local First Arizona. Find out how.

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

Mindfulness exercises like deep breathing, guided movement and pausing to notice one’s emotions are leading to better focus and less stress for thousands of Arizona students and teachers through classes taught by Mindfulness First.

The classes were at risk of going away until Local First Arizona helped the nonprofit find new funding.

Eighteen entrepreneurs graduated from Local First Arizona’s We Rise Business Accelerator in January.

From art and fashion to health care and greeting cards to fitness and pet sitting, this cohort of graduates offered an array of goods and services for Arizona residents to enjoy.

Born in Zamora, Michoacán, but raised in Glendale, Arizona; with an overflowing passion for his two children and cooking, he began as a dishwasher at a restaurant while pursuing his dream of earning an engineering degree. After being promoted to pantry cook, he discovered his love for cooking, immersing himself in a journey of learning and experience in the culinary world. With dedication and effort, Eduardo earned the title of chef.