We asked three of our “Localists” to tell us their favorite books — from Arizona history to entrepreneurship to locally based authors.

To buy one for yourself or a holiday gift, purchase from a locally owned bookstore! Find one near you with the Local First Arizona Business Directory.

Do you purchase products or services for your company?

With Source AZ, we’ll find you the right match from 1,400+ qualified local vendors with specialties including office supplies, insurance, printing and more to save you money and keep your dollars local.

At the beginning, Local First Arizona had its share of doubters. An ASU economist said it was a “nice idea unlikely to succeed.”

Well, 20 years and millions of dollars in economic impact later, we’re still going strong.

Gov. Katie Hobbs declared Nov. 4 "Local First Arizona Day" in recognition of our 20 years of service to the state!

We’re honored and grateful to everyone who loves local. Come celebrate with us on Saturday!

Blake Martin, a University of Arizona senior, built his first company out of Startup Tucson’s prototyping lab, creating custom specialty lighting for pool tables. Now he’s ready to roll.

Kick off your holiday shopping and find unique gifts for loved ones all in one place from 4-8 p.m. Nov. 1 at Merry Mercado, Local First Arizona’s newest event.

Meet three of the local vendors you can look forward to…

In a world dominated by e-commerce giants and mass-produced goods, it can be challenging for consumers to find unique, locally-made products while still supporting their community. However, with Local First's online marketplace, Shop Local First, Arizona residents and visitors have a powerful tool at their fingertips to conveniently browse and purchase gifts from a wide range of locally-owned businesses

Arizona is more than just a state on the map; It’s a community woven together by culture, diversity and local businesses that drive our economy. At its heart, this state pulses with the dreams and ambitions of its residents. Behind every Arizona-based product, dish, or service lies the heart and soul of a passionate local entrepreneur. By supporting these entrepreneurs and their businesses, we strengthen the very core of Arizona.

Tucson is a tight community, and Local First Arizona is building those connections every day with our work.

Less than a year and a half after Charlotte Bowens experienced a health scare, she was crossing the finish line of a 50-mile race, setting things in motion for Conscious Gear, a brand of outdoor wear she founded to accommodate larger bodies.

“There’s plenty of us at the back of the pack who are fat, and we buy this gear that a lot of the time doesn’t fit us,” Bowens said. “I felt called to just maybe try.”

Seared Living is one of Tucson’s most unique grocery stores, with a vast, colorful wall of cooking oils, specialty products including Tucson’s famous Barrio Bread and a recipe board to inspire any home chef.

Despite the growth of the Black community in Arizona, Black-owned businesses only account for 1% of all businesses in Phoenix, making them difficult to find and support. As Juneteenth approaches, here are a variety of Black-owned businesses you can support from Phoenix to Tucson to Safford and beyond.

Small towns across Arizona are facing a similar challenge: Young people are moving to larger cities, causing local jobs to remain vacant and the economic health of communities to struggle.

Tucson yoga teacher Jameela Hill gained confidence to expand her business through Local First Arizona’s We Rise program.

“I've had the confidence to go after opportunities that I would've never considered before,” Hill says.

The no-cost, 6-month accelerator empowers Black Arizona entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders to grow and prosper, with mentors to guide their progress.

Tucson business owners are encouraged to visit an info session April 13 and apply.

“So many doors have opened for me,” says soap maker Veronica Cruz about graduating from Local First Arizona’s Fuerza Local Business Accelerator. Sales have increased eightfold, and she even has shipped internationally. “This program was a little push that I needed.”

As the largest coalition of of locally-owned businesses in the nation, you are part of a movement that elevates the voices of Arizona’s independent, locally-owned businesses – connecting people, communities and resources for meaningful actions that build a diverse, inclusive and prosperous Arizona. Join us in celebrating new and renewing business coalition members.

The Fifth Cohort of the Local First’ We Rise Accelerator began the program last Saturday. These twenty-two businesses will spend the next six months acquiring the knowledge and developing the skills, habits, tools and resources to help propel them to the next level.

The downtown Tucson retail center Proper Shops is putting a new spin on shopping with a relaxed patio and lounge vibe and an innovative business model that gives startup businesses a leg up.

We’ve come to the close of another successful We Rise business accelerator cohort! Sixteen business owners met over the last six months to learn about entrepreneurship and connect with other Black-owned businesses. Meet Kem Matthews, Brittny Johnson, and Joe Diggs – a few recent graduates – and see how We Rise is powering Arizona’s Black entrepreneurs one business at a time.