Globe-Miami was bustling as more than 340 tribal and rural leaders flocked to the Copper Corridor for the Arizona Rural Policy Forum. Topics included affordable housing, farmer's markets, training skilled workers, attracting young people to small towns, finding grant funding and more.

Jorge Diaz was ready to close his online shop that sells handmade jewelry, clutches and wallets until he connected with the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which helped him relaunch.

Diaz is one of more than 6,000 small business owners in less than two years who have received advice and training at no cost from a coalition of organizations led by Local First Arizona that supports entrepreneurs across the state.

Making higher education accessible to all Arizonans is the goal of three business owners who recently graduated from We Rise, Local First Arizona’s Black-owned business accelerator.

An eager crowd of job seekers, students and companies converged recently for the Superior Career & Hiring Expo, organized by Local First Arizona and Career Connectors.

First Things First fosters school readiness and healthy development for children from birth to age 5. Through strategic investments in state and local programs, they ensure that children are well-prepared for success from the moment they step into their kindergarten classrooms.

By supporting local bookstores, you're not only enriching your reading experience but also nurturing the ecosystem within your community. These cherished establishments provide vital spaces for authors, artists, and readers to connect and thrive. They foster a love for literature, nurture emerging voices, and ensure that the magic of storytelling continues to inspire generations to come.

¡Celebremos juntos el 10 Aniversario de Fuerza Local y la Graduación de la 20° y 3° Generación del Acelerador de Negocios!

Un maravilloso evento está por llegar para nuestros alumnos después de 6 meses de dedicación, compromiso y aprendizaje: ¡La Graduación de 71 Empresarios del Programa Acelerador de Negocios de Fuerza Local!

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.

As the largest coalition of of locally-owned businesses in the nation, you are part of a movement that elevates the voices of Arizona’s independent, locally-owned businesses – connecting people, communities and resources for meaningful actions that build a diverse, inclusive and prosperous Arizona. Join us in celebrating new and renewing business coalition members.

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.

A group of 6 businesses and community partners met on March 17th to present their sustainable projects and graduate from the first-ever Verde Valley Green Business Bootcamp Cohort!

On May 31st, something transformational was cooking at Mundo Grill, a restaurant located along the light rail on Apache Boulevard in Tempe. A diverse group of 20 business owners, residents, food producers, and businesses support experts along with Tempe city staff and officials banded together to launch the Tempe Circular Economy Pilot, putting restaurants in the driver’s seat to put an end to food going into the landfill while saving on costs and regenerating Arizona’s environment & food system.

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.

A Tucson favorite that's been serving up homemade frozen yogurt for over 25 years has gone Green by becoming Arizona Green Business Certified. Frozen Delight owners Cleo & Jose Terrazas pride themselves on opening one of the first frozen yogurt shops in Tucson, and now they are one of the first to implement innovative solutions that make the business more sustainable.

More than 3,400 people in remote Arizona communities will receive access to safe, clean drinking water for the first time through a partnership between Local First Arizona and a cutting-edge company that makes solar-powered, off-grid water systems.

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.