Local First Arizona
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We are here to strengthen local economies. We believe in championing diversity and inclusion💪 The result is that they live here but don’t feel connected.
Kimber Lanning founded Local First Arizona in 2003 for two reasons: First, she saw too many bright young people leaving Arizona for more vibrant cities like Austin and Portland. She wanted to inspire others to stay in Arizona to help build a world class city. Secondly, Kimber thought the massive subsidies being given to chain stores were a raw deal for local businesses, and wanted to see Phoenix r
06/22/2026
The Good Food Forum early bird pricing ends tomorrow👀
If you grow, cook, distribute, fund or fight for Arizona's local food system, this room was built for you.
This is the moment to connect and grow opportunities to shape the food system together🔥
$79 through June 23.
Grab your tickets ➡️ https://hubs.li/Q04mcJGf0
06/19/2026
Today, we celebrate freedom, resilience and the vibrant Black communities that enrich Arizona❤️
Every Black-owned business in this state is proof of legacy in motion and when you spend with them, you're making so much more than just a purchase. You're keeping that legacy moving right here, in this community!
Three ways to celebrate Juneteenth:
🛍️ Shop Black-Owned: Support Black entrepreneurs by shopping at local Black-owned businesses!
🍽️ Dine Black-Owned: Explore the incredible flavors of Arizona's Black culinary scene!
🗣️ Amplify Black Voices: Follow and support Black-owned businesses on social media! Share their stories and spread the word about their products and services.
By the way, we made supporting black businesses easy for you.
We made finding them easy ➡️ https://hubs.li/Q04m0lDG0
This is what a thriving, locally-owned Arizona looks like in action🔥
Black entrepreneurship in Arizona is alive and it showed up last night
Six We Rise graduates took the stage at Demo Day 2026 and pitched their businesses for a shot at $10,000 in funding. Every one of them came prepared. Every one of them came ready!
Congrats to our winner Elizabeth Joseph () for taking home first place
Chloe Johnson () brought the heat for second and Ashley Dickerson () rounded out an incredible podium!
This is what happens when founders get real access; to capital, to mentorship, to a room full of people invested in their success.
We Rise exists to close the gap between a great idea and the infrastructure to grow it.
A portion of the funds provided to the winners of the competition were provided in partnership with Arizona Financial Credit Union in honor of the late Kelvin Smith. Kelvin's legacy was committed to investing in Black entrepreneurs and small businesses and we're incredibly grateful to partner and support his passion to live on through We Rise.
A huge thank you to the sponsors who made this work possible:
Your investment in Black entrepreneurship is an investment in this state's future.
Do you see yourself on this stage next year?
Here's everything you need to know about We Rise⬇️
https://hubs.li/Q04l-rYC0
06/15/2026
Juneteenth is observed every year on June 19.
The date commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates Black freedom, resilience, culture and community.
Here are some of the ways Arizonans can celebrate Juneteenth in 2026.
Tell us how you're celebrating below ⬇️
Arizona thrives on its locally-owned spirit ❤️
These businesses are our neighbors, deeply invested in our community. Every local purchase fuels our economy and strengthens our unique AZ vibe!
We're even helping grow the next wave of local legends through our Community Kitchens! Ready to taste the difference and build a stronger Arizona?
It's time to shop local!
Businesses featured:
cake
06/08/2026
The future of Arizona's food system is on the table, and we're not just discussing it – we're cultivating it ourselves 🍽️
Pull a chair up to the Good Food Forum in Prescott, where we'll unite pioneers to dissect challenges and lay down the groundwork to build a truly resilient, equitable and local food system.
August 25, Prescott.
Early bird tickets are $79 through June 24.
🎟️ https://hubs.li/Q04kyrGm0
There’s a lot of opportunity in grant funding and it starts with being ready.
Organizations that are successful often have strong foundations in place: Simple system, strong leadership and the ability to manage funding with confidence.
That’s what the Local First Arizona Economic Resource Center’s Grant Basics Workshop Series is all about; helping nonprofits, Tribal organizations and community groups across Arizona build the skills and structure needed to pursue funding and grow.
If your organization is thinking about applying for grants or strengthening your approach, this is a great place to start.
👉 Learn more and register: https://hubs.li/Q04jSr460
06/05/2026
Access is an issue for many Black entrepreneurs in Arizona.
Access to capital. Access to networks. Access to rooms where their business plans get taken seriously instead of screened out before they ever reach a decision-maker.
We Rise exists to change that math.
The six-week accelerator gives Black business owners the tools, community and credibility to grow on their own terms and Demo Day is where that work goes public.
On June 17, this year's cohort pitches their businesses for a chance at $10,000 in funding at Venture Café Phoenix.
Come to witness what happens when barriers come down and people get the chance they were always capable of using.
📅 Wednesday, June 17
⏰ 6:00 – 8:30 PM
📍 Venture Café Phoenix | 850 N 5th St, Phoenix
Free. Register using the link ⬇️
https://hubs.li/Q04jw9nJ0
Economic resilience isn’t luck. It’s liberation.
Too many Arizonans are one crisis away from losing everything. Economic resilience isn’t just about
recovery — it’s about being prepared for the future 💪
At Local First Arizona, we’re helping build systems that protect people, not just profits. That means investing
in local businesses, keeping dollars circulating close to home and creating opportunities that last!
This is how we build an economy that works for everyone❤️
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Address
1505 E. Missouri Avenue
Phoenix, AZ
85014
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |