Working Toward Solutions for Tribal Communities E44
In this podcast episode of “Arizona Good Business” host, Thomas Barr discusses the challenges of accessing capital and fostering economic development in tribal communities, emphasizing the importance of understanding their unique historical and systemic barriers with Rafael Tapia, Director of Tribal Community Connections. Rafael’s background and experience with Local First Arizona underscore the significance of community-driven initiatives in addressing these issues. They delve into the complexities of tribal entrepreneurship and the need for culturally responsive strategies, inviting listeners to engage in the upcoming Arizona Good Business Summit to explore collaborative solutions.
The conversation highlights the diverse organizational structures and regulatory frameworks for businesses on and off tribal reservations, emphasizing the importance of respecting tribal sovereignty and community well-being in economic development efforts. Despite the challenges, Rafael remains optimistic about finding solutions through partnerships and sustainable approaches, emphasizing the crucial role of local businesses and communities in building a better Arizona.
The Arizona Good Business Summit is more than an annual conference~
It’s an opportunity for locally-owned businesses from across the state to connect and grow as leaders in their communities — working together to form lasting. Relationships that create meaningful impact for a stronger, more resilient Arizona. 
For details and registration: https://localfirstaz.com/good-business
Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization committed to community and economic development throughout Arizona. Our work connects people, locally-owned businesses, and communities for meaningful actions that build a diverse, inclusive and prosperous Arizona economy, including:
- Educating consumers about the interconnectedness of the economy — how and where they spend matters.
- Training small businesses to be more resilient, while helping our larger partners tell their story as champions of Arizona.
- Creating programs and events that make it fun and easy to discover local businesses and buy local.
- Targeting systems of inequity and building prosperity for all Arizonans by proactively identifying comprehensive solutions and taking action.
Growing up in the Yaqui Village of Old Pascua, Rafael Tapia learned about the importance of building community, leveraging resources, and valuing the connection we have to each other.
His role is to build strategic and meaningful relationships that enable increased access to resources and opportunities for Tribal nations within the State of Arizona.
He is looking forward to working with Tribal nations, government agencies, non-profits, and other key stakeholders to support investments in entrepreneurial ecosystems, food systems, and workforce development by delivering all associated technical assistance, facilitation, and fund development resources.
About Arizona Good Business
What is good business? What are local businesses doing to build a better Arizona?
Join Arizona Good Business to hear from local companies who are:
- Centering purpose at the forefront of business
- Creating social well-being for the community
- Prioritizing sustainability and positive environmental practices
- Growing strong company cultures through building authentic teams
- Ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are involved in all business decisions
Arizona Good Business features local business leaders that are redefining what it means to do good business.
About Your Host
Thomas Barr is the Executive Director for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state. A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona by advocating for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies.
Thomas steers the strategic direction of LFA’s major programs and initiatives as well as the engagement of over 3000 businesses across Arizona. As Executive Director, Thomas guides a team of statewide senior directors overseeing the execution of LFA’s communication strategy, major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of over 30 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, local food initiatives, sustainability, urban development and community building. He frequently speaks to groups locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First Arizona and the importance of local economy work in building prosperity.
Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has participated in volunteering his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals – Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square Foundation and Phoenix Legal Action Network. Additionally, Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and current participant in Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.
