Owning a Business is Hard Work
As a business owner, you might feel like you’re tackling big challenges alone, like getting customers in your door, competing with online markets, and being undercut by big box stores. But when you’re part of Local First, your independent business alliance, you have the support of 240 other business owners facing the same issues.
Local First’s mission is to work together with local, independent businesses and organizations to create an economy that values people, the planet, and prosperity for everyone. When you’re with us, you’re never alone.
Together, we can build a thriving economy that builds everyone up, while protecting the place that we work, live, and play in.
Member Benefits
There are many benefits of becoming a member of Local First. Learn more to get the most out of your membership!
Business Listings
Your business is included in our online business directory, in the Be Local Coupon Book, and promoted through social media to increase your search hits and exposure, getting more customers through your door.
Members-only Events
Connect with other business owners while we bring you the facts on consumer trends so that you can be successful, informed and even keep your business local and independent.
Consumer Education
We organize events and initiatives that educate consumers on the benefits of shopping local, and then connect them with your business. Look at all of our programs and initiatives to see how we are working for you!
Business Resources
We provide you with marketing materials, both digital and in print, to help you tell your story and brand your business as local and independent.
Advocacy Work
Let us be your voice when you don’t have the time. Tell us about the issues you care about and we will attend city council meetings, economic development discussions, and host member meetups on issues affecting local, independent businesses.
Tax Deduction
As a 501c6, business members can get a tax deduction on their membership dues as well as the program fees while also accounting for these costs as marketing or advertising expenses.
Premier Advertising
Be part of the Be Local Coupon Book, one of the top advertising materials in La Plata County with over 4,800 sold each year. Purchase books at wholesale pricing to give as gifts to clients and employees, or sell to your customers.
Better Storytelling
Are you leveraging your localness to your full potential? Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been around for a while, we help you tell your story to the people that matter.
Sustaining Member
Want more from your membership? Become a sustaining member for customized benefits that meet your business’s needs. Additional benefits include:
Chance to speak/ co-host member meetups
Quarterly blog post with content catered to your business
Member story on our page
Added to our sustaining membership banner on the Local First page
Additional opportunities available based on the needs and wants of your business.
Eligibility and Dues
Local First is a nonprofit business alliance that represents businesses that are both local and independent. While separately these two qualifications both have positive impacts on the community, together they ensure that businesses and business owners are operating in La Plata County and can make financial, operational, and political decisions that are best for the community.
Location
Local First now serves agricultural producers located in La Plata or surrounding counties as a way to support our greater agricultural foodshed!
All other businesses must be located within La Plata county to become a member.
Eligibility
Is your business privately owned (not publicly traded) or operating as a cooperative?
Is the business located in La Plata County, Colorado?
Do the majority (greater than 50%) of the owners or directors who have a controlling interest live in La Plata, Montezuma, Dolores, San Juan (Colorado), and/or Archuleta counties the majority of the year (greater than 50% of the time)?
Is this business registered solely in the state of Colorado and independent of any corporate or national headquarters outside of La Plata County?
Does the business have full autonomy to make independent decisions including purchasing, operations, and distribution, as well as the name and look of the business?
Does the business pay all of its own marketing, rent, and other business expenses (without assistance from, or payment to, a corporate headquarters)?
Dues
| Membership Type | Membership Dues |
|---|---|
| Business Member | $150 |
| Sustaining Member | $500 |
| Nonprofit Member | $90 |
| Associate Member | $150 |
| Individual Member | $25 |
Don’t Qualify as a Member Business? Check out our
Associate Membership!
If you do not qualify, but you believe in the values of the localist movement and want to be a part of collaborating in the Local First vision to create a thriving and resilient local economy, please consider joining as an Associate Member.
(Previously known as Supporting or Affiliate Membership)
