Local First Arizona – News Blog

• Más que números: Cómo Fuerza Local está impulsando a los emprendedores latinos de Arizona April 25, 2025
  Más que números: Cómo Fuerza Local está impulsando a los emprendedores latinos de Arizona Cuando pienses en la comunidad de pequeñas empresas de Arizona, piensa en grande. Desde restaurantes y tiendas hasta electricistas, esteticistas y distribuidores agrícolas, los negocios de propiedad latina están en el corazón de la economía de Arizona. Y muchos de ellos […]
  Paul Zapata
• Honoring Heritage Through Innovation: How Kyu Utsunomiya Brings Japanese Cuisine to Life in Arizona April 23, 2025
  When Kyu Utsunomiya moved to Arizona in the 1980s, he saw both a lack of Japanese cuisine and a chance to share his cultural roots in fresh, modern ways. As co-founder of Conceptually Social, he’s brought that vision to life through innovative local culinary ventures like Kaizen and Konbini Sushi — blending tradition with adaptability […]
  Lori Cothrun
• Mothers, Makers & Movers: Celebrating Women-Owned Businesses in Phoenix April 15, 2025
  This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating five Arizona-based women who’ve turned their dreams into real, thriving businesses — each one rooted in community, creativity and heart. Some were inspired by their own moms, others by motherhood itself — but all of them are defining what it means to build something meaningful, right where they live.
  Kat Meyer
• Welcome Our April New and Renewing Business Coalition Members April 15, 2025
  Each month, we celebrate the businesses that are shaping Arizona’s local economy, enriching communities, and strengthening connections across the state. From visual storytelling and film to home improvement and flooring solutions, this month’s featured businesses showcase the power of local entrepreneurship.
  Kat Meyer
• Move Your Money: How Your Banking Choices Can Fuel a Stronger Arizona March 26, 2025
  When you deposit your money in a bank, it doesn't just sit there — it goes to work. The question is, where is it working, and who is benefiting? Financial empowerment is a key tenet of Local First Arizona’s work. From addressing the predatory lending practices of payday loans to improving access to capital, we […]
  Kat Meyer