activities · 27
what they do
direct service · 12
- Community Garden Operation Transformative Vacant Lot GardeningOperates the El Rancho Community Garden in Mesa, where volunteers contribute to gardening tasks such as cleaning, preparing beds, composting, and planting.
- Community and Economic Development Initiatives Local Food System DevelopmentOrganizes campaigns and events to encourage local spending, strengthens the Arizona food system through kitchen incubator and farm-to-fork programs, and assists communities in building self-reliant local economies. This includes managing the Keep Arizona Beautiful initiative for rural community support.
- Culinary Events Showcasing EntrepreneursHosts "Dining for Dreams," an exclusive culinary event that showcases chefs, restaurateurs, and entrepreneurs who have graduated from the Fuerza Local Business Accelerator program.
- El Rancho Community Garden Operation Transformative Vacant Lot GardeningOperates the El Rancho Community Garden in Mesa, engaging volunteers in gardening tasks such as cleaning, prepping beds, composting, and planting.
- El Rancho Community Garden Operation Transformative Vacant Lot GardeningOperates the El Rancho Community Garden in Mesa, engaging volunteers in gardening tasks such as cleaning, bed preparation, composting, and planting.
- Food System Strengthening Programs Local Food System DevelopmentStrengthens the Arizona food system through kitchen incubator and farm-to-fork programs, and operates the El Rancho Community Garden to engage volunteers in gardening tasks.
- Loan Readiness and Access to Capital Small Business Term Loan ProgramsOffers Loan Readiness Boot Camps to prepare business owners for the lending process and provides micro-loans ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 with competitive interest rates and payback periods. This includes culturally relevant loans for Indigenous entrepreneurs and specialized Green Loan Funds.
- Loan Readiness and Access to Capital Small Business Term Loan ProgramsOffers Loan Readiness Boot Camps to prepare business owners for the lending process and provides micro-loans ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 with competitive interest rates and payback periods. This includes culturally relevant loans for Indigenous entrepreneurs and Green Loan Funds for graduates of sustainability programs.
- Local Spending Campaigns and Events Local Restaurant Promotion & Dining CampaignsOrganizes and hosts various campaigns and events, such as the Devour Culinary Classic and Shop Local for the Holidays, to encourage local spending and educate consumers on its economic impact.
- Promoting Local Spending and Businesses Local Restaurant Promotion & Dining CampaignsOrganizes campaigns and events such as the Devour Culinary Classic, Arizona Fall Festival, Indie Week, and Shop Local for the Holidays to encourage local spending. It also educates consumers about the economic impact of their spending choices.
- Promoting Local Spending and Events Local Restaurant Promotion & Dining CampaignsOrganizes and hosts various campaigns and events, such as the Devour Culinary Classic, Arizona Fall Festival, Indie Week, and Shop Local for the Holidays, to encourage local spending and educate consumers on its economic impact. This also includes showcasing graduates of business accelerator programs through culinary events.
- Small Business Lending Small Business Term Loan ProgramsOffers micro-loan programs and business loans ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 with competitive interest rates and payback periods. This includes culturally relevant loans for Indigenous entrepreneurs and Green Loan Funds for graduates of the Green Business Boot Camp.
advocacy · 3
- Advocacy for Local Businesses Industry-Specific Business AdvocacyAdvocates for the local business community by assessing proposed policies and legislation for their impact on local businesses and elevating concerns of business owners. The organization also partners with local government to involve businesses in climate action planning.
- Advocacy for Local Businesses Industry-Specific Business AdvocacyAdvocates for the local business community by assessing proposed policies and legislation for their impact on local businesses and elevating concerns of business owners. The organization also partners with local government to involve businesses in community planning.
- Advocacy for Local Businesses Industry-Specific Business AdvocacyAdvocates for the local business community by assessing proposed policies and legislation for their impact on local businesses and elevating concerns of business owners. The organization also partners with local governments to involve businesses in community planning initiatives.
capacity building · 12
- Business Coalition and NetworkingManages a Business Coalition that provides resources, expert-led education, and events to connect local businesses and communities, including exclusive culinary events showcasing program graduates.
- Business Coalition and NetworkingManages a Business Coalition that provides resources, expert-led education, and events to connect local businesses and communities, fostering collaboration and growth.
- Business Coalition and NetworkingManages a Business Coalition that provides resources, expert-led education, and events to connect local businesses and communities, fostering collaboration and support within the local business ecosystem.
- Business Education and Training Programs Microfinance and Business Training for EntrepreneursProvides various educational programs and boot camps in English and Spanish, including financial literacy, business development, and specialized training for micro-entrepreneurs, farmers, and food businesses. These programs aim to build capacity and provide administrative knowledge to local business owners.
- Business Education and Training Programs Microfinance and Business Training for EntrepreneursProvides various educational programs and boot camps in English and Spanish, including financial literacy, business development, and specialized training for micro-entrepreneurs, farmers, and food businesses. These programs aim to build business skills and prepare owners for lending processes.
- Community and Economic Development Initiatives Local Food System DevelopmentManages initiatives like Keep Arizona Beautiful to support rural communities in project planning and education. The organization also strengthens the Arizona food system through kitchen incubator and farm-to-fork programs and assists cities, towns, and tribal nations in building self-reliant local economies.
- Community and Economic Development Initiatives Local Food System DevelopmentEngages in initiatives to strengthen the Arizona food system through kitchen incubator and farm-to-fork programs, and assists cities, towns, and tribal nations in building self-reliant local economies. This also includes managing the Keep Arizona Beautiful initiative to support rural community projects.
- Community and Economic Development Support Local Food System DevelopmentAssists cities, towns, and tribal nations in securing resources to build self-reliant local economies and manages the Keep Arizona Beautiful initiative to support rural communities in project planning and management.
- Green Business Certification and Support Building Decarbonization & Green CertificationOperates the Arizona Green Business Certification program, providing guidance and recognition for environmentally friendly operations. This includes a Green Business Boot Camp that trains businesses in sustainability upgrades and helps them identify solutions and funding to reduce environmental impacts.
- Green Business Certification and Support Building Decarbonization & Green CertificationOperates the Arizona Green Business Certification program, providing guidance and recognition for environmentally friendly operations. This includes training businesses in sustainability upgrades and helping them identify solutions and funding to reduce environmental impacts.
- Green Business Certification and Sustainability Support Building Decarbonization & Green CertificationManages the Arizona Green Business Certification program, offering self-guided consultation and certification to help businesses reduce environmental impacts and expenses. This includes a Green Business Boot Camp that trains businesses in sustainability upgrades and helps identify funding solutions.
- Green Business Certification and Sustainability Training Building Decarbonization & Green CertificationOperates the Arizona Green Business Certification program, offering guidance and recognition for environmentally friendly operations. This includes a Green Business Boot Camp that trains businesses in planning, financing, and implementing sustainability projects to reduce environmental impacts.
strategies · 25
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Advance equitable and inclusive local economic development equitable_systems_approachBuilds equitable systems and targeted programs—such as no-fee accelerators for Black entrepreneurs—that aim to remove structural barriers and expand economic opportunity, based on the belief that inclusivity strengthens the entire local economy.
- Advance local economic development through coalition building and advocacy coalition_buildingLeverages collective action by building coalitions of local businesses and engaging in public advocacy to influence policy and public behavior, based on the belief that unified local business voices create systemic economic and cultural change.
- Advocate for local businesses through coalition and relationship building advocacy_and_relationship_buildingBuilds coalitions of local businesses and cultivates relationships with state and national leaders to amplify advocacy efforts and create systemic advantages for locally owned enterprises.
- Advocate for local businesses through coalition building and public policy engagement advocacy_and_coalition_buildingBuilds coalitions and leverages relationships with leaders at all levels to advocate for locally owned businesses, while educating the public and policymakers on the economic, environmental, and cultural benefits of a local-first economy.
- Business Education and Entrepreneurial Development business_development_and_educationThe organization educates and assists business owners in developing and expanding their entrepreneurial capabilities by providing executive education, management knowledge, practical insight into financial decisions, and foundational business skills. This includes intensive group-based programs, accelerator programs, and a focus on understanding borrowing in alignment with long-term business resilience.
- Champion entrepreneurship as a foundation for lasting economic resilience entrepreneurship_focused_economic_developmentPositions entrepreneurship at the core of sustainable economic development, creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive through business ownership and innovation.
- Community Engagement and Public Education for Local Support community_mobilizationThe organization mobilizes local communities and engages the public through ongoing campaigns and events to make supporting locally owned businesses enticing. It also educates citizens, stakeholders, business leaders, and legislators about the environmental, economic, and cultural benefits of a strong local economy.
- Drive community and public engagement to grow the local-first movement community_mobilizationUses campaigns, events, and volunteer mobilization to engage the public in supporting local businesses, making localism accessible and appealing through active participation and sustainability education.
- Drive public participation in localism through campaigns and community mobilization public_engagementUses public campaigns, events, and volunteer mobilization to inspire consumer and community engagement in the "go local" movement, increasing support for local businesses through behavioral change and cultural promotion.
- Environmental Sustainability for Local Businesses environmental_sustainabilityThe organization helps local businesses prepare for the future by finding solutions to lessen their environmental impact and empowers citizens to contribute to making Arizona a resilient state. This includes utilizing volunteers to divert waste and educate the public on sustainability at events, and assisting with grant applications for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
- Foster peer learning and mentorship networks among local business owners peer_to_peer_learningFacilitates peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and networking to build knowledge, confidence, and resilience in local businesses, particularly within underrepresented communities such as Black entrepreneurs.
- Foster peer learning and mentorship networks for local businesses peer_to_peer_learningFacilitates peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and networking among local business owners—particularly within underrepresented communities—to build knowledge, resilience, and long-term success through shared experience and relationship building.
- Foster peer learning and networked business resilience peer_to_peer_learningFacilitates peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and networking among local business owners—particularly within underrepresented communities—to build collective knowledge, trust, and long-term business sustainability.
- Mobilize communities and drive public engagement for local businesses community_mobilizationEngages volunteers and the public through campaigns, events, and education to grow the “go local” movement, leveraging community participation as a driver of economic and environmental change.
- Peer-to-Peer Learning and Mentorship peer_to_peer_learningThe organization facilitates knowledge sharing and networking among local business owners to foster business development and resilience. It also emphasizes mentorship and relationship building, particularly for Black-owned businesses, by recruiting seasoned entrepreneurs as mentors.
- Promote environmental sustainability within local business operations environmental_sustainabilitySupports local businesses in reducing environmental impact through sustainability education, waste diversion initiatives, and grant assistance for renewable energy, aligning ecological resilience with economic resilience.
- Promote equitable and sustainable local economic development equitable_systems_approachAdvances an inclusive economic model that integrates environmental sustainability, equitable systems, and renewable energy access to ensure long-term resilience for Arizona’s local businesses and communities.
- Promote sustainability and waste reduction through community engagement environmental_education_and_waste_diversionEngages volunteers and the public in environmental stewardship at events and within local businesses, using education and hands-on action to reduce environmental impact and build a culture of sustainability.
- Provide responsive, tailored business support based on identified needs responsive_business_supportAdopts a proactive and customized approach to business assistance by diagnosing individual business challenges and delivering targeted tools, resources, and services to support growth and sustainability.
- Strengthen local economies through business education and capacity building business_development_and_educationProvides foundational and executive-level business education, training, and one-on-one support to local entrepreneurs and small business owners, with the theory that enhanced entrepreneurial skills lead to resilient, thriving local economies.
- Strengthen local economies through business education and capacity building business_development_and_educationProvides foundational and executive-level business education, training, and one-on-one support to local entrepreneurs and small business owners, with the theory that enhanced entrepreneurial capabilities lead to resilient, thriving local economies.
- Strengthen local economies through business education and capacity building business_development_and_educationProvides foundational and executive-level business education, training, and one-on-one support to local entrepreneurs and business owners, with the theory that enhanced entrepreneurial capabilities lead to resilient, thriving local economies.
- Strengthening Local Economies through Business Support and Advocacy local_economic_developmentThe organization strengthens local communities and economies by supporting, maintaining, and celebrating local businesses across Arizona. This is achieved through a comprehensive approach that includes education, one-on-one assistance, training, and advocating for the interests of locally owned businesses to build a competitive advantage and a thriving, inclusive, and lasting economy.
- Support equitable and inclusive economic systems for underrepresented entrepreneurs equitable_systems_approachImplements targeted programs—such as no-fee accelerator models and grant application assistance—that remove barriers for Black, rural, and underserved entrepreneurs, aiming to create a more equitable local economy.
- Support underrepresented entrepreneurs through targeted empowerment programs entrepreneurial_supportDelivers no-cost accelerator programs, mentorship, and practical business skills specifically designed to empower Black entrepreneurs and close systemic gaps in entrepreneurial support.
named programs · 4
what they call their work
Arizona Green Business Certification
A sustainability consulting and certification program that guides businesses in environmentally friendly practices.
Fuerza Local Business Accelerator
Program designed to educate and assist Hispanic business owners in developing and expanding their business capabilities.
Green Business Boot Camp
Training program focused on energy, water, waste, and transportation conservation for local businesses.
We Rise Business Accelerator
A no-fee six-month program offering business skills and mentorship to Arizona’s Black entrepreneurs.
relationships · 15
who they work with
- Charity Navigator Partner — Received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.
- City of Phoenix Partner — Partners to involve local businesses in updating the City’s Climate Action Plan.
- City of Safford Funder — Provides support for programs.
- Coalition of Arizona’s Credit Unions Partner — Partners with Local First Arizona to offer the Loan Readiness Boot Camp.
- Community Investment Corporation Partner — Partners to service agreements for the Southeastern Arizona Micro-Loan and Green Community Fund.
- Freeport McMoRan Funder — Provides funding for the Southeastern Arizona Micro-Loan program.
- Growth Partners Arizona Partner — Partners to service agreements for the Green Loan Fund and provides funding.
- Guidestar Partner — Profile listed on Guidestar.
- Kathleen Dreier Photography Partner — Credited for providing photography.
- Keep Arizona Beautiful Partner — Keep Arizona Beautiful is now an initiative of Local First Arizona, continuing its work with rural communities.
- Rural Community Assistance Corporation Partner — Serves as a community catalyst lending partner in their Rooted Relative Fund.
- Social Prosperity Partners Partner — Co-founded by Matt Lehrman, works nationwide to build trust and align stakeholders
- Thomas Resources Partner — Partners with Thomas Resources for the "Black in Business" module, which explores challenges faced by Black business owners.
- USDA Rural Development Government — Promotes the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant offered by USDA Rural Development.
- Vitalyst Health Foundation Funder — Provides funding for the Green Loan Fund.