When you support local business, you create a healthier community

The Local First program exists to support a People First Economy through local ownership. We do this because communities with higher percentages of locally-owned companies are healthier by nearly every social, environmental, and economic indicator.

Celebrating the Schuler Books anniversary!

Start Thinking Local First

It’s up to all of us to build a thriving local economy.

Local First has a passion for people living and working together in a sustainable community. We lead the development of an economy grounded in local ownership that meets the basic needs of people, builds local wealth and social capital, functions in harmony with our ecosystem, and encourages a joyful community.

Use Our Directory

Bookmark, share, and use the directory as your go-to resource for finding local businesses to support.

Build Community

Check out our events page, our blogs, or donate to help Local First support our local community.

Join as a Business Member

Local First members join a community that supports their business growth. Learn more and get involved.

Creating Accountability

Support Sustainable Business

Every dollar you spend is a vote for the type of world you want. And we’re here to help make those choices more clear. We provide the tools for businesses to measure their own impact. Use the links below to learn about Sustainable Development Goals, B Corps, and how businesses can hold themselves accountable.

Become the change

Building People First Habits

Businesses shape our local economy, but so do we as consumers. People First and Local First help you change your habits, so you can actively participate an economy grounded in local ownership, and create a stronger, healthier community. 

Connect to Your Community

January 6, 2025

Resolve to Use Your Business as a Force For Good in 2025

If you’ve been following the Good For Michigan program for a while, you know we’re all about helping companies start and continue…
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January 5, 2025

Keep Your Money Close to Home: Support Local Businesses in 2025

As we step into 2025, it's time to take a closer look at the way we spend our hard-earned money…
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December 16, 2024

An Interview With Carlos Martinez, President of People First Economy

Interview by Steven Assarian, Business and Career Librarian View the original interview here. People First Economy is a business support…
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December 16, 2024

Celebrate 15 Years with Aldea Coffee, MI B Corp

November 2024 marked the 15th anniversary of Aldea Development, Aldea Coffee's nonprofit arm! What an amazing milestone for everyone involved.…
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December 9, 2024

World of Winter with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

The holiday season is well underway and 2025 is just over the horizon. For many people, small businesses included, the…
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November 26, 2024

GOOD FOR ENVIRONMENT: Gentex Corporation

This year, People First Economy is excited to honor Gentex Corporation with the 2024 Good For Environment Award! The Environment…
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November 25, 2024

GOOD FOR COMMUNITY: Lakeshore Depot

This year, People First Economy is excited to honor Lakeshore Depot LC3 with the 2024 Good For Community Award! The…
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November 25, 2024

GOOD FOR GOVERNANCE: Duncan Lake Speech Therapy

This year, People First Economy is excited to honor Duncan Lake Speech Therapy with the 2024 Good For Governance Award!…
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November 25, 2024

GOOD FOR WORKFORCE: Edgewater Design Group

This year, People First Economy is excited to honor Edgewater Design Group with the 2024 Good For Workforce Award! The…
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November 25, 2024

GOOD FOR SUPPLY CHAIN: Madison Closet and Farms

This year, People First Economy is excited to honor Miss Kim’s Jams/Madison Closet and Farms with The Good For Supply…
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