The craft beer industry in Arizona has grown exponentially since Four Peaks Brewing Company opened in Tempe in 1996. Back then, only seven microbreweries were licensed in the state. Today, there are 122.

Taking the name from the iconic mountains located in the Tonto National Forest, the founders of Four Peaks — Andy Ingram, Jim Scussel and Randy Schultz — have kept close to their roots, investing time, money and mentorship into the local beer industry and the wider community.

We are excited to introduce the latest additions to the Local First Arizona Business Coalition! These businesses represent a diverse range of industries and demonstrate the commitment to localism that drives Arizona’s economy. Learn more about how they are making an impact in their communities and leading the way in their respective fields.

On any given night, 50,000 U.S. veterans are homeless and living on the streets — that’s 23% of the country’s homeless population. 25% of these heroes who have fallen on hard times seek help from programs like Local First Arizona community partner, Esperanza En Escalante. 

Since 1989, Esperanza has provided Tucson’s veterans and veterans’ families with safe, secure transitional housing for up to two years. This housing is offered in conjunction with an array of supportive services to help clients find employment, schooling and permanent housing so that they will be able to lead productive, self-sufficient lives.

NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

American Rescue Plan Funds
for the
Northern Arizona Good Jobs Network (NAGJN) Program

Every few months, a group of Phoenix-area philanthropists gathers to share ideas, exchange referrals, celebrate successes, discuss opportunities, and address challenges in supporting community-focused organizations and individuals across rural Arizona.

Known as the Rural Funders Network, the group’s initiatives are facilitated by Local First Arizona, which has been designated as the state’s Rural Development Council. 

It starts by asking yourself a simple question. What do you love? Perhaps you love Arizona’s rural communities, or the state’s rich agricultural history. You might be passionate about sustainability, or dedicated to helping Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs.

No matter your passion, charitable giving can be a meaningful way to catalyze change in your neighborhood and throughout Arizona.

The Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation is creating good-paying jobs with a new construction training center funded by a $4 million federal grant.

Local First Arizona helped the corporation apply for the grant through its Arizona Economic Resource Center.

As the Cholla Power Plant prepares to close in northeastern Arizona, residents in nearby Joseph City are reimagining a post-coal economy.

The rural community is using federal money to explore renewable energy and other sources of jobs to preserve the hometown residents want to stay in.

October marks National Women’s Small Business Month, recognizing the more than 14 million women-owned businesses in the United States and celebrating their contributions to the economic stability and growth of their local communities. One such business is Local First Arizona coalition member Cocktail Lab AZ, owned and operated by Tucsonan Rachel D’Acquisto. 

We’re excited to introduce the newest members of our Local First Arizona coalition! Spanning the state from Scottsdale to Yuma, these businesses are driving innovation and bringing fresh perspectives to their communities. By fostering growth and supporting local economies, they are helping shape Arizona’s thriving business landscape. Explore how these forward-thinking leaders are making an impact statewide!

Local First Arizona’s 17^th annual Devour Culinary Classic, the most anticipated tasting event of the year, will impress even the most refined diners with its luscious eclectic fare Feb. 22-23, 2025.

Desert Botanical Garden and Southern Arizona Arts and Culture Alliance will partner once again 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.

Finance professionals — from bookkeepers to accountants — do more than crunch numbers. While transactional oversight is undeniably a part of the job, strategic planning is another, crucial service. When choosing to work with a regionally-located professional over an out-of-market firm or AI-based service, a business owner is seizing on valuable information that only someone with local insight can provide.

Finance professionals — from bookkeepers to accountants — do more than crunch numbers. While transactional oversight is undeniably a part of the job, strategic planning is another, crucial service. When choosing to work with a regionally-located professional over an out-of-market firm or AI-based service, a business owner is seizing on valuable information that only someone with local insight can provide.

When Matt McMahon sold the Outback Steakhouses he owned, he thought he was exiting the restaurant business for good. But SK Oils, Inc., a Glendale-based oil packaging and distribution company, pulled him back in. 

En el corazón de Phoenix, Arizona, Daniel Borga y Zulema Montaño han construido más que un negocio; han creado un testimonio de resiliencia, trabajo duro y orgullo cultural. Desde comienzos humildes, esta pareja hispana se propuso un objetivo: crear una vida mejor para su familia.

Más que un negocio, fue la familia lo que impulsó a la pareja a embarcarse en esta aventura.