A project of the Mile High Business Alliance, Colorado Local First makes it easier to locate and support businesses that are more responsible, more independent, more sustainable. To get started, click on one of the options to the right.

The Colorado Local First Directory is not just an online phone book. Expanded listings tell you more about these local businesses and how they impact our community. You are invited to leave feedback about businesses - tell us which coffee house makes the best brew, and your favorite place to go dancing. Your experiences will not only help others find what they're looking for, but provide valuable feedback to local businesses about what we most want to see from them.

Why is this so important?

1. Significantly more money re-circulates in our region when purchases are made at locally owned businesses.
2. Local business owners invest in the community more than national companies do.
3. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of our distinctive local character.
4. Reduced environmental impact--local purchases require less transportation.
5. Most new jobs are provided by local businesses.
6. Competition and diversity leads to more choices and a healthier long-term marketplace.

Read more about the importance of thinking Local First.

Find Local Businesses Near You

We've designed a few resources to help you find the local businesses closest to you.

Local Flavor Guides^TM are full-color, easy to carry brochures that spotlight the local shops and restaurants in Denver's unique neighborhoods. Guides are distributed through businesses in the neighborhood, area hotels and the Tattered Cover Book Store LoDo and East Colfax locations. Or find printer-friendly versions of the guides on our web site.

Colorado Local First Directory is an interactive online directory of Colorado's locally-owned businesses. Expanded member listings tell you more about a business and its contribution to our community. Use the directory to search for businesses and leave feedback to help others learn about them. (Directory will be launched soon)

Colorado Local First Door Signs identify locally owned retail shops and restaurants throughout Denver.

 

Get Involved

This campaign is made possible by the participation of Mile High Business Alliance Members, Colorado Local First Sponsors and citizens who care about having a unique and thriving local community. The most important way to to help build "Better Community through Better Business" is to join the Mile High Business Alliance as an individual or business. Here's a few other ways you can get involved:

Sponsorship

• Campain Sponsors - be known as a leader in supporting our local community first
• Print Sponsorship - for printers and businesses with printing capabilities (for things like stickers, cards, t-shirts and guides)
• Media Sponsorship - provide free or discounted ad space, or share some of your advertising with us

Find out more about sponsorship levels.

Get Creative

What other skills, products or services can you contribute to the campaign? How else can we reach others with the Local First message?

Contact us with your ideas about how to get invovled by calling (303) 872-5646

And...remember to Buy Locally, of course