Recent reports show that two-thirds of travelers want to support their destination’s recovery and see their money go back into the local communities they visit. Local First Arizona (LFA) and Visit Tucson are making it easier than ever before.

We plan to celebrate the upcoming Fall Fest this November 5th by upping our sustainability game. With our love for our home state comes the responsibility to ensure it is protected for generations to come. Find out how you can help us put environmental sustainability at the forefront for this event!

Danayzet Fauré es orgullosamente originaria de Venezuela, mamá soltera, especialista en telecomunicaciones y derecho espacial y entre muchas otras facetas que la distinguen, pero sobre todo es una amante de los perros y defensora de sus derechos. Emigró a los Estados Unidos hace 3 años sola con su hijo de 6 años y el regresar a su país ya no era una opción, esta fue una de las razones que la llevaron a convertirse en empresaria local de Arizona con Dana Grooming LLC.

Literacy Connects has served the Tucson community for 11 years, providing a place where anyone can learn, create, and access opportunities. As part of their vision, they emphasize the value of transformational learning and collaborative relationships and understand the interconnectedness of community and environmental wellbeing, as evidenced by their recent hosting of two Tucson Climate Action & Adaptation Plan Community Dialogues in partnership with Living Streets Alliance, the City of Tucson, and Local First Arizona. Read on to learn more about how these collaborative, nuanced conversations went.

In 2022, it's more important than ever to invest in local self-reliance, ensuring Arizonans thrive for years to come. The businesses who have graduated in the 9th cohort of SCALE UP are clearing the path ahead! Join us in celebrating and congratulating these businesses and their innovative sustainability projects.

After going through a six-month business accelerator program, 15 local Black entrepreneurs graduated on July 30th at the Arizona Heritage center. The graduation consisted of a business exposition to showcase the businesses, and a ceremony to celebrate their achievements over the past six months.

This month we’re featuring one of our newest members - Desert Moon Market! This woman-owned business is a desert lovers paradise. Owner Alex has filled her shop with home decor and clothing inspired by the desert and an upcoming beauty line made with the healing elements of Arizona. Get to know her and head over to Carefree to puruse this local gem!

We’re adding 18 new businesses to the We Rise family! The We Rise program is all about supporting Arizona’s Black-owned businesses and we invite you to check out our newest cohort. You’ll find make-up artists, clothing, adminstrative assistance, food and more! 

Just one thing. One special thing worth seeing for yourself. Worth the extra miles. Worth the time. If a rural Arizona community has just one big thing that will attract visitors, it is an economic asset to use to the fullest extent. But if you know rural Arizona, you know a community always has far more than one special something.

Iconic rock band The Eagles gave Winslow an everlasting gift with one lyric that has attracted thousands of visitors to stand on the Route 66 corner made famous by a song. This gift of music continued developing the area’s identity along the lines of the arts, which have helped strengthen the community’s character and appeal far beyond any single attraction.

Javier y Verónica Acosta son empresarios locales graduados de la sexta generación del Programa Acelerador de Negocios de Fuerza Local en el año 2016 con JJ Publicidad LLC.

Esta historia de emprendimiento, pasión y tenacidad inició en el año 2011 con el nacimiento de JJ Publicidad LLC, siendo esta misma empresa la base para el surgimiento de 2 grandes proyectos que conocemos hoy como Entre Mujeres Radio y Decibel Academia.

Javier y Verónica iniciaron su carrera desde muy jóvenes, contando ya con más de 30 años de experiencia …..

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.

Calling local businesses: do you have a community or sustainability project in mind? We can connect you to experts and resources to help you get started. The next cohort of SCALE UP begins August 23, 2022!

New EV-ready building codes move The City of Tempe closer to becoming carbon neutral by 2050. But how will local businesses and nonprofits benefit? Here are 10 reasons for business owners to get excited about EVs and EV charging stations.

Nick Wayne has been serving up craft cocktails using molecular mixology to tipplers in Tucson since 2015. Now he's ready to serve Downtown's public planters with rainwater on tap from HighWire Lounge's brand new 1,600 gallon rainwater harvesting system. This is one of many initiatives HighWire owner Nick Wayne is taking on to conserve Arizona's most precious resource. Read on to learn how he is helping to lead the charge in creating a resilient and self-sustaining Downtown Tucson.

Close your eyes and picture your neighborhood. Picture the homes, the parks, and the open spaces. Now picture the businesses in your neighborhood. Imagine that instead of your favorite unique local businesses, all the places are the same cookie-cutter concepts. The same coffee shop; the same restaurant; the same boutique; the same repair shop.

That is the effect of big box and big tech.