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

May 15, 2023

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and the Constant Evolution of Placemaking and City Building

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) was created in 2013 with the goal of bringing several economic development tools and organizations…
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April 10, 2023

Move Your Money: Beyond Banking

Welcome to the third annual Move Your Money month! If you’ve been following People First Economy for the last few…
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April 9, 2023

Local First Workshop Recap: Best Practices for Employee Wellness & Mental Health

It is essential for businesses of all sizes to support their staff, from the front lines to the C Suite;…
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February 22, 2023

Business Highlights: PFE’s Black-Owned Partners in Grand Rapids

Celebrate the vibrant culture, exciting events, delicious food, friendly people and cherished traditions of Michigan with People First Economy. Black…
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February 17, 2023

PFE PODCAST – S2E10 ‘Move Your Money’ with Manny Barragan of Beneficial State Bank

Welcome to the People First Economy Podcast, a podcast where we talk to business leaders and movement builders to learn…
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December 17, 2022

PFE Podcast – S2E9 Sacred Economy Part II with Kathleen Roark and Kevin Lum

Welcome to the People First Economy Podcast, a podcast where we talk with business leaders and movement builders who are…
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November 22, 2022

Pop’s Family Kitchen

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November 10, 2022

Your Guide to the 2022 Holiday Season

Does your holiday list look something like this: Schedule family/staff holiday parties Take family photo Send holiday cards Confirm meal/catering…
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November 7, 2022

PFE Podcast – S2E8 Boxed Out with Ron Knox of the Institute for Local Self Reliance

Welcome to the People First Economy Podcast, a podcast where we talk with business leaders and movement builders who are…
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November 3, 2022

Your Guide to the 2022 Holiday Season: Creating Impactful and Memorable Celebrations

Does your holiday list look something like this: Schedule family/staff holiday parties Take family photo Send holiday cards Confirm meal/catering…
Learn More