Watch Live
Tuesday, November 16 at 7pm
Live Broadcast from The Hamilton
Hosted by Allison Seymour, Get Up DC, WUSA9
Watch at weactradio.com
The Local First Awards
The Local First Awards is a celebration of local independent businesses, entrepreneurs, and artists who give back to the community and create a positive impact! The Local First Awards is an initiative of Think Local First DC, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting local independent businesses and promoting their positive impact on our communities to the public.
Think Local First
Think Local First supports locally-owned businesses as they create more prosperous, connected and entrepreneurial communities. It matters where people choose to spend their money. Opting to support locally owned, independent businesses creates a positive effect, often referred to as a ‘multiplier effect,’ which is credited with enhancing social and civic well-being, is linked to higher wages, and reduces inequality while strengthening the middle class.
A Local Independent Business Means:
- Private, worker, community or cooperative ownership
- Decision-making authority is vested in the local owners and not subject to conditions dictated remotely (not a publicly traded company)
- At least 50% locally-owned
Local First Award Judges
Judges composed of local business and community leaders, activists, journalists and citizens selected nominees for seven award categories. Those nominees are then vetted and finalists are publicized. The lucky winners are announced at the official Local First Awards ceremony.
2021 Finalists
Builder
A local community developer, investor, or lender with deep roots in the community and known for positive investments in DC’s people, culture, and future.
Community Champion
A local business owner who makes a significant and noticeable impact in the community.
DC Maker
A local business, entrepreneur or artist who designs, makes, produces, and/or assembles a product in the District of Columbia that makes an impact.
Green Thumb
An environmental champion who works to improve the local community through sustainable practices, products or services.
High Road
A model employer who puts their people first by providing quality jobs, fostering a positive work environment, and championing beneficial business practices.
Pioneer
A local business, entrepreneur, or artist who inspires with a creative new idea, product, perspective, model and/or solution.
Ripple Effect
A business that supports the local economy by purchasing supplies and services from other local businesses, creating a “ripple effect” as money circulates within the local community.
Trailblazer
A person who's the first in his/her field in the District and leads the way for others to follow chosen by Think Local First DC’s Board of Directors.
LOCAL FIRST AWARDS CATEGORIES
DC Maker
Ripple Effect

High Road
Green Thumb
Builder
Pioneer
Community Champion
Sponsors
Media Partner




In-Kind

Get Involved!
There are many ways to participate in the Local First Awards!
Volunteer
Our volunteers make the whole thing run and you can't beat the perks.
Sponsor
The Local First Awards is possible because of your generosity.
#Hashtag
Use #LocalFirstAwards and add to the conversation online or be a media partner and amplify the impact.
View
Watch the livestream of the event on weactradio.com on Nov 16th at 7 PM
Build
Strengthen our local economy by aligning your purchasing power with your values!