Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization committed to community and economic development throughout Arizona. Their work connects people, locally-owned businesses, and communities for meaningful actions that build a diverse, inclusive and prosperous Arizona economy and community.
Local First Arizona believes that “Change Starts Locally.” We are passionate and committed to introducing locals and newcomers to our state’s amazing culture. A culture that is best represented by our communities, local businesses, and their unique experiences. We are on a mission to build equitable systems that earn that hometown pride and create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Arizona economy.
We got to see that up close and personal at the Summit, hearing from Jason Lowry, the Director of Sustainability, during our creative funding panel. Jason works to increase the reach and impact of Local First Arizona’s statewide sustainability programs — the Green Business Boot Camp, Green Business Certification, and Green Lending Products, which support businesses and rural communities to save money by adopting sustainable practices.
“With Local First Arizona, we work with locally owned and small businesses, nonprofits, municipalities (rural and urban), and tribal communities to develop concrete solutions to specific problems. One example is working with different Community Development Financial Institutions to develop character- and savings based lending products to support businesses with implementing sustainability projects that allow businesses to take advantage of diverse city, utility, and other incentives,” says Jason.
We also got to see some of the organization’s other efforts, touring their Community Kitchen on the Mesa Tour and hearing about their radical support in the Arts District. They play a huge part in championing small businesses in downtown Phoenix, working with the EDC to get local entrepreneurs into the real estate in the Arts District (Tobacco Row) and not chains.
We loved hearing about the work they do to support entrepreneurs in Phoenix and Mesa and appreciate their sponsorship.