Join Local Business Alliance

When you’re with us, you’re never alone.

As a business owner, you tackle big challenges every day. Challenges such as getting customers in your door, competing with online markets, and being undercut by big box stores.

Local First is La Plata County’s independent business alliance, representing 260+ local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Together, we work to shape an local economy that values people, the planet, and prosperity for everyone.

Join the Local First independent business alliance as a business or nonprofit organization to support our collective effort in building a thriving local economy that builds everyone up, while protecting the place we work, live, and play.

Membership Benefits

We work for you! As a member of the Local First business alliance you recieve the following benefits:

Advertising

Feature your business in the Be Local Coupon Book, tell your story on the Be Local Radio Show, reach an enthusiastic audience on our socials, list your business on our online directory, and take advantage of our many collaborative advertising opportunities to amplify your business in engaging and cost-effective ways.

Advocacy

We stand with you. By leveraging our local, state, and national partnerships, Local First works to address key issues facing our community’s well-being including healthcare, affordable housing, sustainable land-use, livable wages, and small business prosperity.

Consumer Education

We organize signature events and initiatives, such as Noel Night and the Harvest Dinner, that connect shoppers with your business and educate the public on the positive community impact of shopping local.

Member Events

Connect with other business owners at Local First hosted workshops, webinars, and monthly Business Alliance Social Hours (BASH). Learn about opportunities to collaborate on community issues.

Eligibility and Dues

Local First is a not-for-profit business alliance that represents businesses and nonprofit organizations that are both local and independent. 

While separately these two qualifications have positive impacts on the community, together they ensure that businesses and businesses operating in La Plata County can make financial, operational, and political decisions that are best for the community.

If you don’t qualify for our Business Membership, check our our Associate Membership below!

Business Member Eligibity:

  • 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)?

Membership Type Membership Dues
Business Member $150
Sustaining Member $500
Nonprofit Member $90
Associate Member $150
Membership Type Membership Dues
Business Member $150
Sustaining Member $500
Nonprofit Member $90
Associate Member $150
Individual Member $35

Associate Membership

If you do not qualify, but you believe in the values of the localist movement and want to join Local First and our members to create a thriving and resilient local economy, please consider joining as an Associate Member.

Associate members receive:

  • Opportunity to sponsor and market at Local First events

  • Included in our online directory 

  • Show your support for the local movement to your customers.