Local First’s We Rise graduate and owner of Deafinitely Communicating, Germaine Graham, carried out the Instagram series called ABC's of Deaf Education, sharing information about the culture, lived experiences, accomplishments, rights, joys, challenges, and day-to-day life of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people of all ages.

Tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 5, for Local First Arizona’s 14th annual Devour Culinary Classic at the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden, the most anticipated culinary event of the region.

Fabiola Ordoñez es originaria de Culiacán, Sinaloa, México, casada, madre de 3 hijos, empresaria y sobre todo muy orgullosa de pertenecer a la comunidad hispana y poder apoyarla a través de sus conocimientos y experiencia en el ramo de los documentos legales y empresariales en Arizona.

Graduada de la Universidad Grand Canyon con Diploma en Estudios Legales y graduada de la 18ª Generación del Acelerador de Negocios de Fuerza Local, es la fundadora de One Nation Tax and Documents Services, LLC y Exclusive Wireless, LLC.

When the Sunshine Mile Merchant Association needed support to bring a big idea to life, they turned to Local First Arizona's Economic Recovery Center (AZERC). This partnership helped Sunshine Mile win a competitive grant from the Arizona Commission of the Arts for use in the community to improve foot traffic, reactivate community involvement, and drive tourism.

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!