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.

On any given night, 50,000 U.S. veterans are homeless and living on the streets — that’s 23% of the country’s homeless population. 25% of these heroes who have fallen on hard times seek help from programs like Local First Arizona community partner, Esperanza En Escalante. 

Since 1989, Esperanza has provided Tucson’s veterans and veterans’ families with safe, secure transitional housing for up to two years. This housing is offered in conjunction with an array of supportive services to help clients find employment, schooling and permanent housing so that they will be able to lead productive, self-sufficient lives.

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.

The Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation is creating good-paying jobs with a new construction training center funded by a $4 million federal grant.

Local First Arizona helped the corporation apply for the grant through its Arizona Economic Resource Center.

October marks National Women’s Small Business Month, recognizing the more than 14 million women-owned businesses in the United States and celebrating their contributions to the economic stability and growth of their local communities. One such business is Local First Arizona coalition member Cocktail Lab AZ, owned and operated by Tucsonan Rachel D’Acquisto. 

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!

Senior leaders from the White House, including USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, visited Tucson recently to recognize Local First Arizona’s leadership in transforming agricultural policy, food resiliency and financial investments throughout the Southwest.a love letter to Phoenix,” Estes says.

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.

The Bisbee Science Exploration & Research Center is reimagining eight acres of vacant school district land to create a first-of-its-kind, scientific learning center for children. A $150,000 federal grant is helping with planning and design.

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.

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…

Tucson-based Berry Cultured celebrates cultural diversity with a line of toys, paper products and party kits that allow kids to experience cultural norms and values in a fun way.

“What’s different about our products is we add a cultural twist to it,” says founder Heidi Calderon. “When I grew up, the people who made up my world were not in the toy aisle. I wanted to change that narrative.”

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.

A 40-year-old bridge in southern Arizona will soon receive a much-needed, multi-million-dollar overhaul to serve the community of Rio Rico, near the U.S.-Mexico border.

With support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the new bridge will be the largest project in Santa Cruz County and improve 911 response times for a growing rural community.

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.

What started small, as a recipe in April King’s kitchen to meet the needs she had during a changing health situation, has gained traction beyond her home and sparked cravings across Arizona.

Next month, King will bring Better Than Provisions to the 2024 Good Food Forum + Expo, which Local First Arizona will host Aug. 27 at the El Conquistador Tucson.