Have you seen shopLOCUS.com yet? It's time to give it a whirl! LOCUS offers an e-commerce platform to find and support local, independent businesses. Your Local First team is a big fan and we hope you enjoy learning more about the people and the vision behind this awesome platform. Check out our Q&A with LOCUS owners Jill DeJonge and Eric Haslinger:
Shop Local with LOCUS
Jul 9, 2021 10:30:00 AM / by Local First posted in Local Business, Business Resources
The Future of Work
Jun 9, 2021 9:30:00 AM / by Local First posted in Local Business, Business Resources
Thank you for joining Local First for the second of four Rebuilding our Local Economy webinar events! Each quarter, the Local First team brings new resources and technical support to you by tapping the expertise of our membership community.
Just Over a Year Ago... A Reflection on a Year of Uncertainty
Apr 21, 2021 9:45:00 AM / by Alysha Lach White posted in Local Business, Inclusive Economy, Business Resources
Auditing & Amplifying Your Digital Presence
Mar 1, 2021 12:10:35 PM / by Local First posted in Local Business, Business Resources
Thank you for joining Local First for the first of four Rebuilding our Local Economy webinar events! Each quarter, the Local First team will bring new resources and technical support to you by tapping the expertise of our membership community.
Top 10 Small Business Trends & Becoming Future Smart
Feb 19, 2021 10:29:06 AM / by Jeff Doolittle, Organizational Talent posted in Local Business, Business Resources
There are many reasons why small businesses need to keep current on future trends, and the following are just a few to consider:
7 Ways to Safely Support West MI Local Food Businesses this Winter
Nov 30, 2020 9:18:39 AM / by Emma Bauchamp posted in Eat Local, Local Business
Winter is coming and, with it, local food businesses are bracing for impact. As we cozy up and stay safe at home, our beloved restaurants and shops are navigating the need to pivot, yet again. “There's an upcoming season of hustling hard, reinventing, celebrating small joys, and unfortunately, suffering some substantial losses,” says Lauren Bloom of Blom Meadworks.
Safety Protocols for Small Businesses
Nov 19, 2020 1:43:01 PM / by Local First posted in Local Business, Business Resources
With court rulings impacting safety protocols for small businesses and changing reports on how Michigan businesses are expected to operate, it's fair to say, 2020 has been a year full of change and confusion.
Here is what we know for sure: starting November 18th, Michigan will Pause to Save Lives.
Stock up at Martha's Vineyard
Nov 16, 2020 11:05:00 AM / by Local First posted in Holiday, Local Business
Photos sponsored by Corriveau Photography
Our Grand Rapids area feature is Martha’s Vineyard and its child companies. This unique collection of businesses takes up a block in the Heritage Hill neighborhood and is a healthy mix of made-in-Michigan products, house-made edibles, and goods from around the world.
Second generation leader, Ilana Chamelly, sat down with Local First to share their story.
Celebrate our local, independent businesses!
Jun 15, 2020 10:56:00 AM / by Local First posted in Local Business
Independents Week: June 27 to July 4
Locally-owned, independent businesses are the backbone of our community. And they need us more than ever right now. Help us celebrate them during Independents Week!
Marketing Matters (Part II)
May 18, 2020 11:50:00 AM / by Local First posted in Local Business
Thank you for joining the Membership Team for Part II of our marketing webinar series! Kathleen Roark and Katherine Jandernoa were joined by the following panelists to discuss why marketing matters and how to approach it during a pandemic: