Why Supporting Local Businesses in North Phoenix Matters More Than Ever
Last week, I had the chance to attend a Local First Arizona event that brought together some of the most passionate and community-driven business owners in the Valley. It wasn’t just another networking event — it was a reminder of why choosing local is one of the most impactful decisions we can make for our neighborhoods.
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As the founder of Living North Phoenix, I’ve built my platform around celebrating and supporting the people and places that make our corner of the city thrive.
And this event? I sat there realizing I could do so much more. That I am in a room of people doing far more than me. That I have so much to accomplish and help with. I was sad. And inspired. And it lit a fire under that mission in the best possible way. I am more than ever committed at the highest level to helping improve our local business awareness and support.
The Power of Shopping Local in North Phoenix
When you support local businesses in Phoenix, especially in neighborhoods like Desert Ridge, Deer Valley, Moon Valley, or Norterra, your dollars stay here. According to Local First Arizona, for every $100 spent at a local business, up to $43 stays in the local economy — compared to just $13 when spent at a national chain.
But it’s not just about money. Local businesses:
- Hire locally and often support other local vendors
- Sponsor community events and youth sports
- Know your name and genuinely care about your experience
- Add personality and uniqueness to our neighborhoods
If we want North Phoenix to feel like home, we have to support the people building it from the ground up. Local businesses are the backbone of our Community. With the rapid changing times, we need to do everything we can to avoid huge Corporate takeovers of everything. Let’s play our part in doing what we can to support local.
Inside the Local First Arizona Event
The Local First event I attended was filled with entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders who’ve poured their heart into what they do. From handmade soap makers and independent financial advisors to eco-friendly product shops and community lenders, every person had a story.
A few standouts:
- Proof Bread – I had not really known about them beforehand, and WOW. The owner shared his story, which is inspirational amongst many other adjectives. Not only are they supporting local, they are impacting many people worldwide as well. I would not be able to do justice to Jon and Proof’s story, but from their Business struggles, to personal challenges, to global adversities–their passion to support local and the community are incredibly high and it is an honor to have them in our Community (North Phoenix)
- Arizona Federal Credit Union – they’re not just banking; they’re actively finding ways to reinvest in our neighborhoods. AZFCU is a solid local organization deeply rooted in supporting local. Maybe big banks are more convenient at times, but are they serving our Communities at the highest level? I would encourage you to give AZFCU a chance at your business.
Conversations at the event weren’t transactional. They were transformational. There was a genuine focus on collaboration over competition — a value that mirrors the core of Living North Phoenix.
How Local Businesses Shape Our North Phoenix Community
When you walk into your favorite neighborhood coffee shop or get your toilet fixed by a locally-owned plumber, you’re participating in a ripple effect that goes far beyond that one purchase.
Local businesses shape our daily experience:
- They know the challenges unique to our area (hello, monsoon season prep!).
- They support one another — a local painter recommending a nearby flooring expert, a yoga studio posting about the smoothie bar down the road.
- They help build connection and identity in an otherwise sprawling metro area.
At Living North Phoenix, our free business directory highlights nearly 600 local businesses that do just that. From plumbers to pet groomers, these are the people who help keep our lives running and our community strong.
5 Simple Ways to Support Local Businesses Today
If you’re looking to make a difference, here are a few easy ways to start:
- Leave a review on Google or Yelp for a local business you love (this is massive and far more important than you might know)
- Follow and share their social media posts to boost visibility
- Buy a gift card for future use or to give to a neighbor or friend
- Shop at local farmers markets and events like Valleypalooza
- Refer them in local Facebook groups and neighborhood chats (our Group and Businesses thrive on this)
Small actions create big momentum. Don’t underestimate the power of a post, a tag, or a kind word.
Living North Phoenix: Built on Community Connection
Living North Phoenix exists to celebrate what makes this part of the Valley special — and local business is at the heart of that.
Whether you read our weekly newsletters, attend events, or just explore the free local business directory, everything we do is about building bridges between neighbors, business owners, and the people who care about making North Phoenix a better place to live.
Want to get your business listed or featured? You can submit it here, or reach out for upgraded visibility through our Verified Listings program.
Let’s Keep the Local Movement Going
Attending the Local First Arizona event reminded me that supporting local is more than just a trend — it’s a commitment. It’s a way to invest in a better, more connected future for North Phoenix.
So whether you’re new to the area or have lived here your whole life, let’s keep lifting each other up. Share your favorite spot, shout out a great experience, or bring a friend to the next local event.
At time of writing of this Blog, our Valley is voting for the Coveted “Best of The Valley.” Make sure to use this link to vote for the ones from our Community!
What’s one local business you can support this week? Let us know in the Living North Phoenix Facebook group or comment below — and let’s keep this community movement alive and well.
If we haven’t met, you might not know I love beer. Greenwood Brewing is awesome and woman owned. And they make some super tasty refreshing yummy beer. We had a chance to hear from them too. Some of our favorite breweries in Phoenix are listed in this blog.
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Stay local, friends.