Tribal Community Connections

Local First Arizona is honored to work with Arizona’s 22 Indigenous Nations and citizens to foster meaningful relationships that support sovereignty and strengthen self-sufficiency.

With integrity, respect and intention for the best interest of Indigenous communities and its people, Local First partners with Tribal nations, government agencies, nonprofits and other key stakeholders to support investments in entrepreneurial ecosystems, food systems and workforce development.

Local First partners with Tribal nations in a variety of ways:

  • Tailored small business education programs that foster entrepreneurship and increase access to capital 

  • Technical assistance in strategic planning, grant writing and management, project management and program design

  • Strengthening the Arizona food system through our kitchen incubator and farm–to-fork programs

  • Harnessing the collective power of the largest local business coalition in the U.S. to advocate for the Tribal business community

  • Collaborating with Tribal nations to secure resources that build self-reliant economies 

  • Partnering with Tribal nations and businesses to identify solutions and funding to reduce their environmental impacts

  • Educating consumers about the profound impact of their spending choices on the local economy

Rooted Relative Fund

Rooted Relative Fund is designed to remove barriers present in traditional financial institutions that prevent Indigenous small business owners from accessing the capital and financial tools needed to progress and achieve their goals. The community-centered lending approach preserves indigenous ancestral ways while meeting the challenges of today, promoting small business ownership as one way Indigenous people can connect the past, present and future.

As a community catalyst lending partner in the Rural Community Assistance Corporation's Rooted Relative Fund, Local First Arizona offers culturally relevant and relationship-based loans to Indigenous entrepreneurs who have historically lacked access to capital.

Rooted Relative Business Loans Terms

  • $30,000 - $250,000 at 3% up to eight years

  • A minimum of two years in operations

  • Rooted in the Indigenous community

  • Self-identified Indigenous business owner. Non-enrolled members are eligible

  • Operating on or off tribal lands

  • Must have a demonstrated capability to use funds to directly impact and benefit indigenous people or Tribal communities 

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Have Questions?

If you're interested in learning more about Local First Arizona’s Tribal Community Connections, get in touch today.

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