Local First Utah

Ogden Local First Chapter Off to an Enthusiastic Start

Utah Microenterprise Loan Fund- "Change Everything" Commercial

Local First Utah would like to recognize the Utah Microenterprise Loan Fund (UMLF) for their continued support of Local First Utah and would like to recommend them to any of our local partners in need of a small business loan ($1,000-$25,000). For more information check out their new commercial here and visit them online at www.umlf.com.

BusinessWeek : Consumers Buy Into 'Buy Local'

SLC Neighborhood Business Conference

Salt Lake City held the first Neighborhood Business Conference on January 28 at the Hotel Monaco.  Nearly 250 participants attended including small business owners, business organizations, government officials and staff, and residents.  Guest speakers Karen Selander, Seattle’s Senior Community Development Specialist, and Kala Dralle, Tacoma’s Program Development Specialist, presented different ways their cities have established and supported neighborhood business districts. Both speakers were followed by panels consisting of local business members who discussed the opportunities and challenges of creating neighborhood business districts and the resources needed for their success. 

For the last hour of the meeting, the attendees separated into smaller groups and discussed practical ways they could establish their districts, the vision they had of what their districts could become, and what resources they need from the city and other businesses.  Common themes that emerged from the conference include how groups can beautify their areas from having garbage cans to signage and street furniture.  Others discussed the possibilities that are available through forming Business Improvement Areas (BIA’s).  Many recognized the need to start with small, manageable projects and that leadership among the districts is necessary.  Another benefit of neighborhood business districts is that these areas are sustainable, creating walkable places where people can have a number of needs met.  Concerns included how to get all businesses in a district involved rather than just two or three; what funding sources are available for districts; and what the process is to establish a BIA.  

All who attended left enthused and motivated to come together as business districts in an effort to see our small business community succeed.  As a result of the information given and comments made at the meeting, Salt Lake City is working diligently on a number of initiatives to see our neighborhood business districts form and thrive. 

For more information and to view the presentations by our guest speakers please visit www.slcgov.com/ed.  The conference will also be shown on the Channel 17 and available soon on YouTube.

Sundance with a Local Twist

Utah's Sundance Film Festival draws movie stars and media attention every year from all around the globe - so what better time to showcase all things local? 

Local First has partnered up with Park City Television and (a)perture marketing for 2010 to further extend the reach of local Utah businesses globally for this year's festival. 

Come on out this Wednesday, the 27th to join us in Park City for the 2nd Annual Locals Take Back celebration - hosted at the Sidecar from 9pm-1am. Admission is free to locals, and features the work of local fashion designers, visual artists, and musicians.

And don't miss PCTV's promotion of all things local as they entertain and interview guest celebrities and other Sundancers throughout the week. Click here to read more about the local movement on PCTV.

SLC Mayor Becker Applauds Local First Utah

"The Local First Utah organization aptly reminds us that local businesses are, in a real sense, the backbone of any community. It is nearly impossible to imagine our neighborhoods without them. " See the full article here.