Started in 2003, an informal group of business owners gathered around the idea that local ownership matters. So, they did something about it: they hired an executive director and founded Local First! From grassroots efforts like a simple business directory in 2008 to running statewide business support programs in 2024, Local First is a must-engage for any small business.

Fun fact: The whole concept was Guy Bazzani’s, with Walt Gutowski serving on the inaugural board alongside Daniel Horowitz and Sam Cummings. We’ve been members ever since!

Local First offers a variety of programs and support for small businesses and consumers who want to shop local whenever they can. Some of these programs include: an easy-to-use online directory of local businesses, membership benefits, cohorts, B Corp support, networking opportunities and more.

A BIG B CORP BELIEVER

According to Local First, communities with higher percentages of locally-owned companies are healthier by nearly every social, environmental and economic indicator. And when those businesses are B Corps, companies that use the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy, that health can multiply tenfold.

If you know us (and Jes, our president!), you know we love to talk about our B Corp status. We were inspired by our friends at Local First back in 2017 when we got our very first B Corp certification. Becoming a B Corp isn’t a one-time deal, and it certainly doesn’t get easier over time! In fact, they up the stakes to make sure B Corp businesses are continually striving to be better. Thankfully, we are up for the challenge and were re-certified in 2023.

Not only did Local First come alongside us in the process for our first B Corp certification process, but they continue to offer opportunities for us to connect with other like-minded businesses and business owners, create events and points of connection with the B Corp organization, and offer enhanced learning opportunities through B Local, a place-based community of people using business as a force for good.

If there is one thing to know about B Corps, it’s that we’re better together. The more, the merrier.

With the support of our fellow B Corp businesses in Michigan and Local First, we will continue to pursue B Corp status in the years to come!

SWIFT PRINTING: ALL THAT THE NAME IMPLIES

I bet you can assume this, but Local First also loves to support local business when they have needs, too! Whenever we can help the team at Local First, we jump at the opportunity because they have done so much to help us (and all of our local business pals, too!).

We’re not just paper printers, but a leader in branding too. A fun project that we do for Local First is their people first magnetic name tags. We love partnering with our customers to find more sustainable ways to do things they need to do.

Meet Local First, a B Corp Believer

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