The Tempe Compost Pilot puts locally-owned restaurants in the driver’s seat to turn food scraps into farmland.

The late afternoon sun in August was unforgiving as they dug through the waste. Once everything was finally sorted there was 70 pounds of recycling, 56 pounds of compost, and 81.5 pounds of landfill waste, for a final diversion rate of…

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.

As a woman who grew up on the Navajo reservation, Jordanna Saunders has a unique understanding of the emotional, economic and health-related challenges many Native Americans encounter.

It’s why her Goodyear practice, Trauma Recovery Services of Arizona, is an attractive option for Indigenous patients.

“(My patients) feeling better and functioning better, that’s what keeps me doing it — seeing them succeed.”

Businesses are always looking to stand out from the crowd. Here’s 5 businesses that are doing just that by becoming Arizona Green Business Certified. Just how do they stand out? Setting an example with sustainable business practices.

Tina Santos dejó atrás su amado país México, llena de ilusiones para triunfar en un país totalmente nuevo, sin familia donde apoyarse y sin tener dominio del idioma inglés. Cuenta orgullosamente que trabajó muy duro porque no podía regresar a su país derrotada, pero sus deseos de…..

Tempe businesses are saving money and reducing their environmental impact through Local First Arizona’s Green Business Boot Camp.

PHOENIX  (Oct. 4, 2023) — Local First Arizona’s 15^th annual Devour Culinary Classic, the most anticipated tasting event of the year, will impress even the most skeptical of diners with its luscious eclectic fare Feb. 24-25, 2024. 

Desert Botanical Garden and Southern Arizona Arts and Culture Alliance are partnering with Local First Arizona to assemble a panoply of the most creative and indulgent chefs, sommeliers, cicerones and other food and drink purveyors Arizona has to offer. 

In a world dominated by e-commerce giants and mass-produced goods, it can be challenging for consumers to find unique, locally-made products while still supporting their community. However, with Local First's online marketplace, Shop Local First, Arizona residents and visitors have a powerful tool at their fingertips to conveniently browse and purchase gifts from a wide range of locally-owned businesses

Arizona is more than just a state on the map; It’s a community woven together by culture, diversity and local businesses that drive our economy. At its heart, this state pulses with the dreams and ambitions of its residents. Behind every Arizona-based product, dish, or service lies the heart and soul of a passionate local entrepreneur. By supporting these entrepreneurs and their businesses, we strengthen the very core of Arizona.

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.

When Arizona’s weather turns cool, it’s time to enjoy the fresh air, spruce up at home and prepare to get cozy.

From tobacco-and-clove scented candles to elderberry immune-boosting tonics to botanical bath bombs, Kaya Holistic has all the eco-friendly, handcrafted products you need to fall for fall.

Five women food entrepreneurs will dazzle the tastebuds of a lucky few at Dining For Dreams on Sept. 28.

The intimate evening of camaraderie and conversation features a three-course dinner catered by graduates of Local First Arizona’s business accelerator programs. Get your tickets now!

Downtown Tucson is enjoying a retail renaissance these days, thanks in part to Proper Shops, a collection of boutiques that gives up-and-coming retailers a start. It offers short-term leases that are more affordable for business owners just getting off the ground.

We asked the building’s co-owner and three shop owners how it’s going.

A ramshackle historic building in downtown Winslow has been transformed by an artist and his wife into a vibrant and eclectic live-work gallery space — a hidden gem along Route 66.

The 22,000-square-foot building now known as Snowdrift Art Space offers the room he always dreamed of having as a young budding sculpturist.

PHOENIX (Sept. 6, 2023) —  Enjoy the return of autumn weather, shop 200+ local vendors and taste and sip goodies from 50+ local restaurants and beverage makers at the 17th annual Arizona Fall Festival on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free! 

The state’s largest “certified local” event and downtown Phoenix’s largest free annual festival celebrates everything that makes our state special with live entertainment and games in a family-friendly, dog-friendly atmosphere at Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St.