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

October 7, 2024

Webinar Recap: How to Stack IRA, ITC and Utility Incentives to Help Your Small Business

Maximizing Energy Efficiency Incentives: Insights from Kyle Rieth at Catalyst Partners In a recent webinar hosted by People First Economy,…
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October 6, 2024

Uptown GR, Inc. Presents First Ever Self-Guided Walking Tour 

Uptown GR, Inc. has unveiled the latest attraction to be added to its growing portfolio of offerings designed to engage…
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October 5, 2024

An Approachable and Exciting New Way to Drink Specialty Coffee

Introducing dito coffee, a brand new project from Madcap Coffee. Grand Rapids, Michigan — Madcap Coffee Company just unveiled a…
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August 20, 2024

People Behind the Business | Automotive Industry

When it comes to keeping our vehicles running smoothly and looking their best, local auto mechanics and detailers are the…
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August 19, 2024

Webinar Recap: Helping Small Business Owners Find & Win Capital

People First Economy, Detroit Community Wealth Fund (DCWF), Center for Community-Based Enterprise (C2BE), and Michigan Center for Employee Ownership (MICEO)…
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August 15, 2024

The Power of Local Ownership: Building Resilient Communities 

Earlier this week, I attended a talk by Naomi Davis, the founder of a Chicago-based nonprofit called Blacks in Green.…
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July 24, 2024

People Behind the Business: Holistic Wellness

Throughout June and into July, People First Economy took the initiative to interview a few of their health & wellness…
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July 18, 2024

Planting Seeds of Inclusive Growth

Communities across Michigan are filled with challenges. Economic growth is inequitable. Healthcare services are structured in ways that often create…
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July 17, 2024

Think Local First: Shift Your Spending!

When your family and friends ask you why you take pride in your place—whether it be your state, city, or…
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July 2, 2024

Happy Pride & Happy Disability Pride Month!

This year during Pride Month & Disability Pride Month, we’re highlighting why it’s important to celebrate the queer communities that…
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