A recent Gallup poll shows Americans trust small businesses more than any institution in our daily lives. Small businesses, which employ nearly half of U.S. workers, have long been the backbone of the American economy and faith in them crosses all political party lines.

Honoring America’s Veterans, the nonprofit that organizes the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, says it’s looking forward to new opportunities on the horizon by becoming a member of Local First Arizona and working with the Arizona Economic Recovery Center.

When John Benedict drove from Philadelphia to rural southern Arizona in a van he bought for $1,000, he had no intention of becoming a farmer. He just knew he wanted to leave city life behind.

Now Benedict owns Desert Sky Produce, cultivating organic beets, carrots, strawberries, broccoli, cabbage and more, thanks in part to a zero-interest loan for entrepreneurs of color from Community Investment Corporation.

The owner of Stem Swag enjoys thinking outside the vase. One arrangement includes a Michelangelo-style David sculpture sprouting flowers. On Valentine’s Day, the florist has hired drag queens to make deliveries. And on National Donut Day, the business partnered with Rollover Doughnuts to add treats to orders. “I have a lot of ideas,” owner Gary Guerin says. “Our products are really unique.”

How would you like a two-night staycation at the hip retro Hotel McCoy in Tucson, tickets to Weezer or a free pottery class? All these prizes and more are available to win during Indie Week by supporting local businesses June 24-July 4.

Para conocer la Historia de nuestro próximo miembro del mes, debemos hacer un acercamiento a la historia de 2 empresarios graduados de la 17ª Generación del Programa Acelerador de Negocios de Fuerza Local que dieron vida, forma y alma a Juanderful Tacos LLC.

Arizona homeowners can enjoy a lush yard without high water bills. Professional photographer Martha Retallick chronicles the creation of her rainwater-fed desert oasis in a new book, “City Nature.”

The Black Girl Brown Girl Collective creatively brings together women and art. But writing grants and filing tax forms is not their specialty. The Arizona Economic Recovery Center helped the nonprofit land a $10,000 grant and become more self-reliant.

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.

A 35-unit community in south Phoenix for homeless military veterans is coming to life thanks to a $2.8 million grant that Local First’s Arizona Economic Recovery Center helped the Tanner Community Development Corporation secure through its free grant-writing services.

A pocos días de celebrar el 5 de mayo en Arizona, te compartimos 8 grandiosas opciones para festejar con familia y amigos de una manera divertida y deliciosa, pero sobre todo apoyando a negocios locales de Arizona.

Pero primero que nada ¿Por qué celebramos el 5 de mayo?

El 5 de mayo de cada año se conmemora la derrota del entonces indómito ejército francés a manos del ejército nacional en la Batalla de Puebla de 1862.

Family is often a high priority in the Hispanic community, so it isn’t surprising that many recent graduates of Local First Arizona’s Spanish-language business accelerator are family members working together to elevate their entrepreneurial efforts.

Meet three members of the Fuerza Local Acelerador de Negocio’s Verde Valley class navigating business ownership with family at their side.

From May to July 2023, Local First Arizona will work with Tucson retailers to solve one environmental challenge ― moving beyond the plastic retail bag.

The Bring Your Own Bag pilot will debut in two American cities, Tucson and Denver, as part of a larger “Beyond the Bag” initiative.

The goal is simple ― to enable a broader cultural shift towards shoppers bringing their own bags from home.

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.”

From selling 50 tamales on the first day they opened to 10 million a year now, the owners of Tucson Tamale Company say one key to success was choosing a local bank.

“The decision-makers are local, and they are invested in our success.”

A panel of top food critics and journalists from around the country personally tasted 70 dishes and beverages at the 2023 Devour Culinary Classic, scoring on taste, presentation, degree of difficulty and creativity. A new award, the Heritage Medal, recognized the best dishes with indigenous, heirloom, locally sourced or desert-adapted ingredients.