Local First

Local First engages businesses, organizations, and citizens to strengthen our local economy.

Local First is a network of locally owned Upper Valley businesses and organizations. Recognizing that regional prosperity grows from communities actively building economies that strengthen and sustain the places we love, Local First members and Vital Communities work to promote, encourage, and support our local businesses & economy.

GO LOCAL

Search The Vital Guide for locally owned businesses and locally grown food!

Search the Guide

Why Join Local First?

Enjoy these great member benefits:

FREE listings in the The VItal Guide — the newly re-tooled searchable resource for finding locally owned and independent businesses in the Upper Valley
Be part of a small business community with regular virtual networking opportunities
Free or reduced admission to networking events, workshops, business advising, and special projects like TLC Upper Valley
Use of the Local First logo and messaging in your marketing
Member decals to identify your business as a proud locally owned business
Love local outreach materials
Regular Local First news and updates
Community Discussion List subscription to vitaleconomyuv
Opportunities to highlight your business or organization’s commitment to community and environment
Collaborative marketing opportunities with Local First radio, print, and online outreach
Help support a resilient and strong regional economy!

What Does Local First Cost?

Membership Levels	One-Time Payment Annual Membership	Annually Automatic Payment Renewing
New Member/1st Year	Only $1 — welcome!
Renewing Business with < 15 employees (FTE)	$75	$50
Renewing Business with 15 + employees (FTE)	$200	$150
Sustaining Business Member	$500	$500
Local First Supporter Options	$1000-$5000

New members: Join for one year for only $1!

Renewing members: Save money by opting to auto-renew annually!

Sustaining members: Get special recognition by adding a donation to your membership fee.

Non-Member Business Supporters: Champion locally owned businesses even if you are not one yourself!

Higher-level support opportunities are available! Please contact Nancy 802-291-9100 x106 or nancy@vitalcommunities.org!

Who’s Eligible for Membership?

Local First membership is open to businesses and organizations in the 69-town service area of Vital Communities that meet the following criteria:

Businesses:

Registered in the state of New Hampshire or Vermont with no corporate or national headquarters outside the respective state

All marketing, rent, and other business expenses paid without the assistance from, or payment to, a corporate headquarters

Able to make independent decisions regarding name and appearance, as well as all purchasing, supply, and distribution practices

The owner (or majority of owners) live within Vermont and New Hampshire for more than half the year

If the business has multiple outlets/branches, the majority shall be located in New Hampshire and Vermont

Locally owned franchises are eligible if franchisee has exercised independent decisions regarding name and appearance of business.

Nonprofit Organizations:

Interested in and able to buy materials, products, and services from other locally owned businesses in the area or broader region

Incorporated or fiscally sponsored in the state of New Hampshire or Vermont

Leadership (advisory body, board, staff) has autonomous authority over all operational decisions

At least 50% of leadership (advisory body, board, staff) lives within Vital Communities’ 69 town service area

News About and For Local Businesses

Local First

Local First engages businesses, organizations, and citizens to strengthen our local economy.

GO LOCAL

Why Join Local First?

What Does Local First Cost?

Membership Levels

One-Time Payment Annual Membership

Annually Automatic Payment Renewing

New Member/1st Year

Only $1 — welcome!

Renewing Business with < 15 employees (FTE)

$75

$50

Renewing Business with 15 + employees (FTE)

$200

$150

Sustaining Business Member

$500

$500

Local First Supporter Options

$1000-$5000

Who’s Eligible for Membership?

News About and For Local Businesses

Step 1: Join Local First

Step 2: Submit or Update Your Vital Guide Listing!

Contacts to Appear in Your Listing

Contact Information for Vital Communities to Reach You

Tell Us About Your Business or Organization