2020 has changed the way we do business and, in some ways, what good business really means. This year, the Arizona Good Business Summit is going virtual to report on the state of small business and how we can rebuild stronger, more equitable communities. You may be thinking - another digital event? Yes — but this one matters. It's accessible, it's affordable and we can't let a pandemic halt ongoing work to build a stronger AZ.

Local First Arizona will host the 3rd Annual Arizona Good Business Summit (AZGBS) virtually on April 20-22, 2021. The 3-day digital conference will convene over 500 businesses and community leaders to examine economic and societal issues that shook communities everywhere in 2020 — and discuss solutions for them. From social justice to environmental action, small businesses lead the way in transformative systems change by redefining what it means to do “good business,” and the AZGBS will spotlight those leading the charge through innovative business models.

It’s getting warmer and warmer outside and that only means one thing...outdoor dining! It’s prime weather for getting a bite to eat on a patio or grabbing a drink outside with friends on a spring night (and hello St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th!) And for those who are ready to get out of the house but not dine in, then patios (or a picnic) are a perfect way to support local restaurants and bars. Arizona has an outstanding selection of outdoor patio dining options so take some time to explore, get outside, and enjoy some of the best that local Arizona has to offer.

Some of you might have spent a little more time at home in 2020. More hand washing, cooking, washing dishes, and home renovation projects means increased water use and higher bills. With the arrival of the spring season that we in Arizona so enjoy, higher temperatures mean thirstier people, animals, and plants. Fortunately, there are groups like Water - Use it Wisely (WUIW) that exist to help you maximize your water savings inside and outside your home or business.

Mesa businesses that are looking to improve their eco-footprint and get recognized for their efforts have a new way to do so! The Arizona Green Business Program is launching in Mesa, thanks to the support of the City of Mesa Environmental Services team and city leadership. This certification program is open to independently owned businesses of all types and focuses on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, pollution prevention, transportation efficiency, and general sustainability in the workplace. The goal is to seek ways businesses can reduce environmental impact with an eye toward cost savings and recognition.

Local First Arizona is teaming up with the City of Mesa to recognize independently owned businesses that are doing good for the planet through the Arizona Green Business Program. This certification process for Arizona’s locally owned businesses, large and small, has two purposes - to recognize businesses that are leading the way, and to assist those who want to add sustainability into their operations by making the process hands-on, cost-savings oriented, and impactful.

Are edible landscapes and trees the answer to Arizona’s rising climate crisis? How do we address shrinking farmland? How are farms helping food banks? These are the important questions that propel the Spring Good Food Film Series. Produced by Local First Arizona’s Good Food Finder, the film series features monthly, independent short film releases devoted to telling the most urgent and inspiring stories of Arizona's local food system through February 2022. 

Produced by Local First Arizona’s Good Food Finder, The Good Food Film Series will feature monthly, independent short film releases dedicated to documenting and sharing Arizona’s food access stories and the societal challenges the farming and food community face through February 2022. These are stories of the often unseen heroes, doing the good work of not only growing and providing healthy, fresh food to our communities but also taking bold environmental and food sovereignty action to create a more sustainable and just local food system.

During Black History Month, you might find yourself inspired by the leaders of the past who moved the needle on creating a more just and equitable nation. You would be equally remiss to skip learning about Black leaders who are shaping Arizona today and tirelessly working to build a stronger, more vibrant place we are proud to call home One such leader is Coral Evans; the first black mayor for the city of Flagstaff and who currently serves as Northern Arizona Director for Senator Mark Kelly. Get to know her below and read about what gives her hope for the future.

Valentine's Day is the day of love, not only to our friends and family but also towards local businesses! What better way to show the love than to support a local businesswoman who opened her business Princess Anna Bowtique on social networks in 2018. Owner Maricela offers hair bows, 100% handmade knit headbands, velvet knot headbands, and scrunchies.

If you’ve been following the GLOCULL Pilot Project Series, you are familiar with the innovative stories of farmland, sustainable business, and indigenous foods projects, but you might be wondering what’s next for GLOCULL partners at ASU’s School of Sustainability and School for the Future of Innovation in Society, City of Phoenix, and City of Tempe. We turned our focus toward what policy work needs to be done and where small businesses, food producers, and advocates can focus their efforts in 2021.

February is Black History Month; it’s a time to educate ourselves about the deep-rooted racism in our country’s history, and more importantly, commit ourselves to build a more just and equal world for all. This year’s BHM comes after a year of protest and a public health crisis that disproportionately affected businesses and people of color. So we’ve put together a guide to help you honor black history, build awareness, and find your role in the local movement.

Devour at Home is fast approaching! An intimate food festival in your own home and with your own rules, Devour at Home is an event you do not want to miss! When you purchase your pre-order meal you can look forward to over 20 of the valley's best chefs creating a three-course meal for four, Devour keepsakes, contests with grand prizes and virtual experiences with the chefs. We want to make sure you’re totally prepared for this exciting food event; check out the rest of this guide for what to expect.

The Haunted Group has done it again; The Clinkscale Hotel, Bar and Grill is now open for business in Jerome. The Haunted Group is credited with putting Jerome and Cottonwood on the map by introducing fresh concepts to these beloved historical towns. The Haunted Group is known for local favorites like the Haunted Hamburger, the Tavern Hotel and Pizzeria Bocce and has created destinations that are loved by Phoenicians, out-of-state travelers and locals alike.

Native Women Entrepreneurs of Arizona is a supportive social network for native women business owners. NWEAZ Indigenous women business owners acknowledge their accomplishments and with their collective voices bring to attention the concerns of their business communities. LFA is proud to be a sponsor of this new organization and work together to serve our diverse business community. Every day is a great day to learn about and celebrate Native American and Indigenous heritage! There are 22 sovereign Native nations that call Arizona home, and NWEAZ is a great resource to discover native business owners across the state and learn more about their heritage.

As a continuation of the GLOCULL Pilot Projects series, where we explore projects aimed at moving the needle toward a thriving local and sustainable food economy with both local and global support. Through ongoing partnerships with ASU’s School of Sustainability and School for the Future of Innovation in Society, City of Phoenix, and City of Tempe, we will review the next installment of the series. Explore the united efforts behind supporting small, locally owned businesses, like Huss Brewing Company in their journey to make a sustainable shift.

In August of 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr., before a crowd of more than 250,000 people, gave his famous “I Have A Dream” speech and called for an end to racism. On MLK Day today, we are proud to announce the inaugural cohort of the We Rise Business Accelerator program. These 12 Black business owners are part of the dream that Martin Luther King spoke of. And we are so excited to help them grow and see them become part of the fabric that builds a stronger, more diverse Arizona.

Local First Arizona recently introduced an ongoing series about GLOCULL Pilot Projects, a series of projects aimed at moving the needle toward a thriving local and sustainable food economy with both local and global support. With ongoing partnerships with ASU’s School of Sustainability and School for the Future of Innovation in Society, City of Phoenix, and City of Tempe, we will continue to explore these innovative projects. The first project was a Coalition of Farmland Preservation.