Funders to approach for Local First

Mission Statement: The mission of Local First is to serve as the catalyst advocating for and amplifying the collective voices of local independent businesses and the greater community. We envision a thriving equitable and sustainable economy that values people, planet, and prosperity for everyone across southwest Colorado. Accomplishments: Business Alliance Social Hours and Lunch and Learn workshops offered members the opportunity to learn from experts and one another on topics such as how to sustain a small business. Under a state grant, Local First partnered with the Local Business Institute to offer free business resilience training to small businesses in southwest Colorado. During 2024 Local First partnered with the Durango Creative District to host First Fridays, which advanced the local creative economy by enlisting local businesses as venues for local artists and artisans to showcase their work to the public. Local First supported a sustainable economy through engagement in community events such as Earth Day and the Durango Farmers Market, and by moderating an expert panel on sustainable…