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.

Christopher Bradshaw Founder and Executive Director of Dreaming Out Loud, Inc.

LOCAL FIRST AWARDS CATEGORIES

DC Maker

A manufacturing businesses or individual that designs or produces a product in the District that has an impact.

Ripple Effect

A business that supports the local economy that buys supplies or services from other D.C. businesses.

High Road

An employer that provides quality jobs in D.C.