The craft beer industry in Arizona has grown exponentially since Four Peaks Brewing Company opened in Tempe in 1996. Back then, only seven microbreweries were licensed in the state. Today, there are 122.

Taking the name from the iconic mountains located in the Tonto National Forest, the founders of Four Peaks — Andy Ingram, Jim Scussel and Randy Schultz — have kept close to their roots, investing time, money and mentorship into the local beer industry and the wider community.

We are excited to introduce the latest additions to the Local First Arizona Business Coalition! These businesses represent a diverse range of industries and demonstrate the commitment to localism that drives Arizona’s economy. Learn more about how they are making an impact in their communities and leading the way in their respective fields.

Every few months, a group of Phoenix-area philanthropists gathers to share ideas, exchange referrals, celebrate successes, discuss opportunities, and address challenges in supporting community-focused organizations and individuals across rural Arizona.

Known as the Rural Funders Network, the group’s initiatives are facilitated by Local First Arizona, which has been designated as the state’s Rural Development Council. 

It starts by asking yourself a simple question. What do you love? Perhaps you love Arizona’s rural communities, or the state’s rich agricultural history. You might be passionate about sustainability, or dedicated to helping Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs.

No matter your passion, charitable giving can be a meaningful way to catalyze change in your neighborhood and throughout Arizona.

As the Cholla Power Plant prepares to close in northeastern Arizona, residents in nearby Joseph City are reimagining a post-coal economy.

The rural community is using federal money to explore renewable energy and other sources of jobs to preserve the hometown residents want to stay in.

We’re excited to introduce the newest members of our Local First Arizona coalition! Spanning the state from Scottsdale to Yuma, these businesses are driving innovation and bringing fresh perspectives to their communities. By fostering growth and supporting local economies, they are helping shape Arizona’s thriving business landscape. Explore how these forward-thinking leaders are making an impact statewide!

We’re excited to introduce the newest members of our Local First Arizona coalition! Spanning the state from Scottsdale to Yuma, these businesses are driving innovation and bringing fresh perspectives to their communities.

People decide to volunteer for different reasons. The most common include a desire to build new skills, expand their social network or make a difference.

For Phoenix resident Melanie Martin, Local First Arizona’s volunteer programs allow her unique opportunities to show up and show out for the local businesses she adores. And living downtown near the Roosevelt Historic District means Martin is never far from discovering a new local business to love.

August is National Coffee Month — the perfect excuse to take a late summer tour of Northern Arizona’s robust local coffee culture. Not sure where to start? Give these local spots a shot!

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

Supporting small business owners is key to Local First Arizona’s mission.

That’s why we offer business education workshops, webinars and networking events to boost your knowledge, help you overcome challenges and build strong relationships to keep your business healthy.

Here are a few events and workshops to get you started…

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.”

Gov. Katie Hobbs and more than 300 rural and tribal leaders came together at the Arizona Rural Policy Forum organized by Local First Arizona.

Hobbs highlighted unprecedented investments being made in infrastructure, clean energy, housing affordability, schools and small businesses to make our state stronger.

Local First Arizona’s We Rise Business Accelerator celebrated its 100th graduate this month.

From children’s toys and landscape design to mental wellness services and fried vegan comfort food, the graduating class represents a wide range of specialties.

Meet the newest We Rise graduates…

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

Millions of dollars in federal funding are available for rural, tribal and agricultural business owners to install solar, purchase new energy-efficient equipment and save on utility bills. Local First Arizona is now offering free help to apply for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Local First Arizona’s annual Demo Day pitch competition celebrates the future of Black entrepreneurship. Six graduates of Local First’s We Rise Business Accelerator pitched their businesses and visions for growth to a panel of judges and audience.

Here at Local First, we treasure Arizona’s independent businesses and consider it our duty and privilege to shine a light on these local indie gems so you can enjoy them, too. Each year, we turn up the indie love during the National Independents Week. From June 28 - July 4, organizations like ours designate a full week to supporting and helping raise awareness of locally-owned businesses.

The largest private donation in Local First Arizona's history will double the size of a community garden and support training programs for Black and Hispanic business owners.