One of the most rewarding things about getting to know so many entrepreneurs is seeing first-hand how many of them are focused on so much more than just financial results. So many of the folks we connect with are focused on having a positive social impact on their community or the world at large. Check out some of these amazing folks below.

Don Kovacovich | Verde Valley Farmers Market Manager & Local food grower

As a farmer and market manager I believe growing and supporting local supply chains are critical to a robust and resilient economy. For example our market prioritizes vendors from Yavapai and Coconino county. The downstream effect of this is that money spent at the farmers market stays in the community. In the case of grocery stores, while they do hire local workers the vast majority of money spent by locals goes off to corporate which is usually made up of multinational conglomerates leaving the local economy for good. Read more>>

Feng-Feng Yeh | Brainchild of Chinese Chorizo Project, Chef, Activist, & Multi-disciplinary Artist

In October 2022, I collaborated with 20+ local restaurants and food producers on the first annual Tucson Chinese Chorizo Festival. Chinese chorizo isn’t like any other chorizo you have heard of. It is not lap cheong, it is not cured like Spanish chorizo, and it does have Mexican influences, but this Chinese chorizo is different. Chinese chorizo is a lost historic food that originates from some 100+ Chinese grocery stores that once existed by 1950 in South Tucson. Read more>>

Crystal Brown | Practice Owner of Outpatient Behavioral Health Center, providing Counseling and Community Services.

Social Impact: How does my business help the community? Strengthening Communities: By promoting the well-being of both my staff and clients, I contribute to building stronger communities by providing services that the community members need, such as counseling, mentoring, peer support, vocational assistance, and more. When individuals receive the care they need and experience positive transformations, they are more likely to engage in their communities, forming meaningful relationships and positively impacting those around them. Read more>>

Oh My Ears (OME) | New Music Presenting Organization

As a new music presenting organization, Oh My Ears (OME) creates a space for the “misfits” of the classical music world – artists who want to experiment with the sonic capabilities of their instruments and create the kind of music that does not fall neatly under one specific label. We strive to create a sense of community and genuine connection between performers and composers of new music. Read more>>